Monkeypox Outbreak 2022
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Most cases in the growing monkeypox outbreak are among men who have sex with men, according to the World Health Organization.
The World Health Organization recommends gay and bisexual men limit sexual partners to reduce the spread of monkeypox.
Bisexual men may be less likely to disclose their sexual orientation to others outside of gay men
According to research done by the National Institute of Health bisexual men reported a number of specific reasons for nondisclosure, including: 1) anticipation of negative emotional reactions; 2) anticipation of negative changes in relationships; 3) belief that others held stigmatizing attitudes toward homosexuality; 4) prior experience with negative reactions to disclosure; 5) wanting to maintain others’ perceptions of him; 6) fear that those told would disclose to additional people; and 7) fear of rejection due to culture or religion.
For straight women it is important to ask questions in a non-judgmental way. The goal for all intimate partners is to be aware of any risk factors so that informed decisions can be made. Bisexual men disclosing their sexual orientation to straight female partners may help prevent the spread of the virus into lower risk assessed communities.
Unlike the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980's, at risk individuals are not in the shadows. The LGBTQ community as a whole have responded proactively and are raising awareness and pressuring the Federal Government on supplying needed vaccines to those at the highest risk for contracting Monkeypox.
It is stressed that Monkeypox is not limited to gay and bisexual men and is currently not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease in the classic sense (by which it’s spread in the semen or vaginal fluids), but it is spread by close physical contact with lesions- Robert L. Murphy, MD Northwestern Medicine
Monkeypox Data in Hotspot California
CDC recommendation to protect yourself from Monkeypox
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used. Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox. Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox.
If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
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