Monkeypox is not a “gay illness,” despite the fact that a lot of instances afflict homosexual men and men who have sex with other men. Labels and stigmas just make things worse, and one’s sexual orientation is in no way related to one’s susceptibility to the illness.
Four individuals who identified as guys who have sex with men were among the first four cases of the 2022 monkeypox outbreak (MSM). The first case was thought to be imported because the patient had visited Africa. However, the second, third, and fourth cases did not share any contacts and did not have a recent travel history. Since then, Europe has had the highest number of cases of monkeypox.
Not A Gay Disease
To provide some context for the disease’s spread, it was also thought that two significant rave events, one in Belgium and the other in Spain, which were largely attended by gay males, contributed to the virus’s spread. The monkeypox virus is thought to be moderately transmissible, which means that continuous close physical contact (including skin lesions) and sexual contact may be the most likely methods of transmission. Prior to 2022, the UK had experienced three cases of monkeypox (in 2021, 2019, and 2018), which were primarily brought on by travel to areas where the disease is endemic. But this is the first instance in which the transmission chains aren’t actually a result of prior travel to West and Central Africa.
Spreading The Right Message Is Important
Given how delicate this topic is, it is crucial for representatives of the state and those in positions of power to choose their words carefully. Since people frequently cannot distinguish between fact and rumour and do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from infections and viruses, misinformation is frequently more destructive.
Even if this isn’t just applicable to STDs, arming ourselves with the appropriate knowledge can be the single most effective way to shield ourselves from infections and diseases that we don’t want.
Conclusion
Stopping the spread of monkeypox is not impossible. The most crucial thing is for nations, communities, and people to learn about the disease, take the threats seriously, and take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and vulnerable populations.
Reducing exposure is the most effective approach to preventing monkeypox cases. Since condoms cannot prevent one from contracting monkeypox, fewer sexual partners and awareness of the issue are thought to be the most effective measures. To stop the disease from spreading further, people who are thought to have monkeypox should seek specialised care and isolate themselves. However, those who have had several sexual partners should not let their guard down and should continue to be on high alert. Contact tracing may also help to slow the rapid spread of this virus. But if you suspect yourself of contracting the virus, going for STD testing will be the only efficient and consistent method to diagnosing yourself.
