Monday’s alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded gay and bisexual men of the possibility that monkeypox may be spreading globally. It advised them to make sure they are aware of any symptoms and take preventative measures if in close proximity to anyone with this virus.

Dr. John Brooks is a CDC official who stressed the fact that any person can get monkeypox from close personal contact. Brooks stated that many people who have been affected by monkeypox so far in the world are gay and bisexual men. Brooks said though they are more likely to be exposed to monkeypox at the moment, it doesn’t mean there is no risk to them.

Brooks explained that Brooks wanted people to make well-informed decisions in order to safeguard their own health as well as the community’s from the effects of monkeypox.

Although monkeypox cannot be passed sexually, it is a common sexually transmitted illness. It can also spread through vaginal fluid and semen. However, sexual contact, intimate, as well as shared bedding, are all possible routes of transmission. Brooks explained that the virus is spread by contact with bodily fluids and sores. He said that doctors and patients need to be alert for the signs of monkeypox. This includes anal and genital symptoms, which can lead to confusion with syphilis, herpes or chickenpox.

Brooks stated that anyone with a rash, or other lesion, around their genitals or in any place they are not familiar with, should have it evaluated. Brooks also suggested that the person be tested for both sexually transmitted infections and other diseases that could cause rash.

A CDC official, Dr. Jennifer McQuiston said that the U.S. had confirmed four orthopox cases in New York City and Florida. McQuiston explained that although state laboratories can detect orthopox (which are likely to be monkeypox), they must send the results to Atlanta for analysis.

McQuiston stated that the milder West African strain was responsible for cases in the U.S. She said that most people are able to recover within two-to four weeks of contracting the virus without any special treatment.

In recent times, the World Health Organization identified around 200 cases of monkeypox in at least 12 countries in North America and Europe.

Monkeypox can sometimes be detected outside the countries in West and Central Africa where it is most prevalent. It is rare, but not impossible, to find monkeypox patients. In 2003, the United States experienced an epidemic of 70 cases. This was due to people who kept infected prairie dogs for pets.

McQuiston said that there have been many cases of this disease in Nigeria recently. But the recent cases found around the world in the last two weeks is unusual, as most patients didn’t travel to Nigeria for the virus.

Based on studies in Africa, the CDC has found that smallpox vaccinations are about 85% effective against monkeypox.

This is the latest news. Stay tuned for new updates.