Mpox/monkeypox Alert

By Dr. Paul Mittelstadt

There is an epidemic of mpox, also known as monkeypox, in central Africa. So far, there have been 15,000 reported cases with a 3% death rate. That rate is far higher than the death rate of the initial COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which was between 1% and 2%.

The initial mpox epidemic in 2022 was a very mild form of the disease. This variant is a much more aggressive and deadly form of the disease with recuperation taking two to three weeks. This disease is primarily spread by skin-to-skin contact.

In this country, we are blessed to have had an initial public warning and vaccination program in 2022. There still is a vaccine available that appears to be effective against this new variation. 

This disease has already spread to Europe and will likely spread to North America.

For all readers of this article, we are in a high-risk category because of our sexual orientation. That risk increases further if you are a senior citizen.

While the vaccine is still available, please contact your health care provider ASAP to arrange to receive the two-dose vaccination series. The first vaccination is followed by a second vaccination at least one month later.