Monkeypox: Gay men advised to limit number of sexual partners to slow spread of disease | World News
The World Health Organization (WHO) is advising gay men to limit the number of sexual partners they have in an effort to slow the spread of monkeypox.
Worldwide, there have been more than 18,800 cases of the disease, which has claimed the lives of five people.
Approximately 10% of hospitalizations are for pain control caused by the disease and WHO has declared an outbreak global medical emergency.
From August 1, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will make it a “nationally important condition” in the United States.
In a press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he believes the spread can be contained but only if “countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously”. risk and take the necessary steps to prevent transmission and protect vulnerable groups.”
This applies to men who have sex with men, he said, “for the time being, reduce your number of sexual partners, reconsider having sex with a new partner, and discuss the details.” contact any new partners so they can follow up if needed.”
Monkey smallpox It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but many people who have it are already sexually active to some degree.
The virus is spread mainly through physical skin-to-skin contact, but it can also be transmitted by sharing bed linen or towels used by a person with monkeypox, as well as through interactions. as close as kissing.
Read more:
How do you catch it, what are the symptoms and how easily is it spread?
Dr Tedros said: “The focus of all countries must be on attracting and empowering communities of men who have sex with men to reduce the risk of infection and subsequent transmission, providing care for the infected and protect human rights and dignity.
“Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus, and can cause outbreaks.”
Although 98% of cases to date have been in men who have sex with men, anyone exposed can get monkeypox.
WHO is recommending targeted vaccination for people exposed to monkeypox and for those at high risk of exposure, including health care workers, some laboratory workers, and people with many friends.
It is urging countries to take action to reduce the risk of transmission to other vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.
