Ayesha Rascoe asks Gay Health Crisis Vice President Jason Cianciotto about monkeypox, which is usually spread through direct, close contact with an infected individual.
There are currently more than 700 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States and more than 7,000 worldwide. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the World Health Organization, most cases are among men who have sex with men. Jason Cianciotto is the Vice President of Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York and he has joined us now. welcome
JASON CIANCIOTTO: Thank you very much for having me.
RASCOE: So, I mean, can you talk a little bit about why the monkey goats seem to be affecting men who have sex with men more than other communities right now?
CIANCIOTTO: Well, we know that viruses don’t see sexual orientation. And so viruses can be transmitted to any particular population. And this particular outbreak of monkeypox started in Europe at a big party attended by gay and bisexual people who have sex with men. Then the people in that group traveled and the community began to expand to include other people with whom they had some form of intimate contact.
RASCOE: We have to point out that monkeypox requires direct, close contact, so it makes sense that most of these cases that we know of are related to intimate or sexual contact.
CIANCIOTTO: Yes. So monkeypox is a virus very similar to smallpox. It was endemic in Africa and is transmitted mainly through contact with infected animals. What’s new and different now is how well it transfers with that kind of intimate contact, like you said. But it doesn’t have to be sexual – cuddling, massaging, sharing bedding or towels that have come into contact with the blisters. You know, even if you’re fully clothed, if you’re on the dance floor or dancing near someone, there’s a chance of transmission.
RASCOE: The Biden administration is currently distributing about 300,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine and says a total of 1.6 million doses will be available by the end of the year. But do you think this is enough?
CIANCIOTTO: On July 7th, there was a press conference where the White House and New York City Department of Health and New York State Department of Health officials announced that over the next 12 months there would actually be more than 4 million doses. We have seen this increase in vaccination availability. They also announced that they are in the process of increasing the availability of commercial testing for monkey goats to 10,000 tests per day, correct?
This is exactly what we needed, but it has been more than a month since we learned of the first case of monkeypox in the United States, and more since the outbreak began in Europe with a much larger number of known cases. So why did it take so long to get here, especially since this isn’t new? And we already have this vaccine and we already know about monkeypox. So why did it take so long to get to this place? My real concern is that if left unchecked, the monkeypox outbreak will also focus on low-income black communities where HIV and COVID-19 are concentrated among immigrants, especially the undocumented, who fear accessing health care. And that would be a tragedy.
RASCOE: A lot has changed since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. But what are the lessons you may have learned that you are using now as you battle monkeypox?
CIANCIOTTO: One of the most important lessons is that we have to have a sex-positive approach to educating people. We’re not going to eliminate HIV, and we’re certainly not going to curb the monkeypox epidemic, by trying to shame people into not having sex, or only having certain kinds of sex with certain people. When you give people the information they need to make healthy choices for themselves and their community, and when you help them make those choices with self-love and acceptance, it’s amazing what a community can accomplish.
You know, look what happened in New York. There were 6,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine. In just a few hours, the appointments for those vaccines filled up. And so we have a community of gay men, bisexual men who have sex with men, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are very health conscious, who are more likely to be connected to their health care providers, although there is definitely a racial divide in this and the financial divide—and when they receive the right information, they will take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their communities.
RASCOE: So, I mean, what are the main things that you want people to know?
CIANCIOTTO: There are three things we would like to share with gay, bisexual men who have sex with men. The first is to be aware but not panic. Second, if they have flu-like symptoms or start to see a rash, they should seek medical attention and stay home, right? And the third is just taking care of each other, right? And that’s what the other thing is – knowing and understanding, just like we did for COVID-19. If we don’t feel well, we don’t go out, get the help we need, care and educate each other.
RASCOE: This is Jason Cianciotto from Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Thank you very much.
CIANCIOTTO: Thank you very much for having me.
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How do you get monkeypox virus?
The virus can be transmitted from person to person through:
- direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids.
- respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex.
How does a person get infected with monkeypox? Most cases are transmitted through sexual contact. If you have been exposed to monkeypox (a close family member or sexual partner), contact your doctor or public health service.
What causes monkeypox virus?
Although it has been called “monkey pox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) can carry the virus and infect humans. The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970.
Can monkeypox go from human to human?
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Where does monkeypox virus come from?
The final source of infection was imported Gambian rats, which transmitted the infection to prairie dogs. There were no human deaths, although three children became seriously ill.
How does a person get monkeypox?
Monkey pox is spread when you come into contact with an animal or person infected with the virus. Transmission from an animal to a person occurs through damaged skin, for example due to bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, body fluids or lesions (wounds) of goats.
What happens when you get monkeypox?
A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or anus.
Is there a cure for monkeypox?
There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infections. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat monkeypox infections.
Can you survive monkeypox?
Monkeypox is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, as the infection can be spread through close contact, it is important to isolate yourself if you are diagnosed. If your symptoms are mild, you may be asked to self-isolate at home.
How do humans get monkeypox?
Monkeypox does not spread easily between people. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with infectious material from the skin lesions of an infected person, through respiratory droplets during prolonged eye-to-eye contact, and through fomites.
What does monkeypox do to humans?
A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before it heals completely. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks.
How long does it take to get rid of monkeypox?
Monkeypox is usually mild and resolves within 2 to 4 weeks. The rash goes through several stages, ending with pustules that form a crust and fall off. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms with simple pain relievers and maintaining hydration.
How does monkeypox affect the human body?
Symptoms of monkeypox can develop five to 21 days after infection. Most people recover after two to four weeks. The illness usually begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and exhaustion, which may last a day or two. Some patients may also experience painful, swollen lymph nodes.
Can monkeypox be cured? There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infections. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat monkeypox infections.
What does monkeypox do to humans?
A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before it heals completely. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks.
Can you survive monkeypox?
Monkeypox is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, as the infection can be spread through close contact, it is important to isolate yourself if you are diagnosed. If your symptoms are mild, you may be asked to self-isolate at home.
How does a person get monkeypox?
Monkeypox is spread in different ways. The virus can be spread from person to person by: direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex.
How do humans get monkeypox?
Monkeypox does not spread easily between people. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with infectious material from the skin lesions of an infected person, through respiratory droplets during prolonged eye-to-eye contact, and through fomites.
How did monkeypox start?
Monkey pox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Although it has been called “monkey pox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) can carry the virus and infect humans.
How can you catch monkeypox?
How do you get monkey skin. Monkey goats can be contracted by infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) in parts of West and Central Africa. You can get monkeypox from an infected animal by being bitten or by touching its blood, body fluids, moles, blisters or scabs.
What causes monkeypox virus?
Monkey pox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in groups of monkeys used for research. It is spread primarily through human contact with infected rodents, but can sometimes be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
What part of the body does monkeypox affect?
For starters, the rash is often not even on the face or extremities. Instead, it usually starts on the genitals or anus. And sometimes it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. “You don’t have skin lesions from head to toe,” says Vinh.
Who does monkeypox affect the most?
Outbreak at a Glance As of June 15, a total of 2,103 laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable case, including one fatality, have been reported to WHO. The monkeypox outbreak continues to primarily affect men who have sex with men who have reported recent sex with new or multiple partners.
What disease does monkeypox cause?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. The genus Orthopoxvirus also includes the varicella virus (which causes smallpox), the vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and the cowpox virus.
How does monkeypox affect the human body?
A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or anus.
Where can monkeypox be found in the human body?
Symptoms and signs of monkeypox A rash with papules and pustules most often appears on the face and chest about two to four days after the onset of fever, but other parts of the body may eventually be affected, including the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.
Can smallpox vaccine prevent monkeypox?
Vaccine Effectiveness Because the monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can protect people from monkeypox infection. Past data from Africa show that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 percent effective in preventing monkeypox.
What is the difference between black and monkey pox? The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox. A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, genitals, or anus.
Does smallpox vaccine prevent monkeypox?
Because the monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can protect people from monkeypox infection. Past data from Africa show that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 percent effective in preventing monkeypox.
What does the smallpox vaccine prevent?
The smallpox vaccine is the only way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is another pox-type virus related to smallpox. The vaccine helps the body develop resistance to smallpox. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population.
Is monkeypox similar to smallpox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
How can monkeypox be prevented?
The best way to prevent the spread of monkeypox virus is to: Avoid contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals). Avoid contact with bedding and other materials infected with the virus. Thoroughly cook all foods containing meat or animal parts.
How can you catch monkeypox?
How do you get monkey skin. Monkey goats can be contracted by infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) in parts of West and Central Africa. You can get monkeypox from an infected animal by being bitten or by touching its blood, body fluids, moles, blisters or scabs.
What does the smallpox vaccine prevent?
The smallpox vaccine is the only way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is another pox-type virus related to smallpox. The vaccine helps the body develop resistance to smallpox. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population.
What did the smallpox vaccine replace?
Despite some opposition, vaccination soon replaced the riskier variation, and by 1853, 30 years after Jenner’s death, smallpox vaccination was standard practice for smallpox prevention. Today, people can be vaccinated against a whole range of infectious diseases, but smallpox is not one of them.
Does the smallpox vaccine prevent you from getting it?
In the past, the vaccine was effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine has been shown to prevent or significantly reduce infection when given within a few days after a person has been exposed to the chickenpox virus.
Who is the smallpox vaccine intended for?
If there is NO smallpox outbreak, you should get the smallpox vaccine if you are a laboratory worker working with the virus that causes smallpox or other viruses that are similar to it. If you need long-term protection, you may need to receive regular booster shots.
Does BCG vaccine last for life?
BCG vaccination of infants and young children provides consistent protection (up to 80%) against severe forms of childhood tuberculosis, such as tuberculous meningitis. It may be less effective against tuberculosis that affects the lungs in adults. Protection from the BCG vaccine can last up to 15 years.
What happens if BCG is given twice? Answers (2) Normally it shouldn’t cause any major problems. If you notice any enlargement of the lymph nodes, show your pediatrician just for reassurance.
Can you still get TB after BCG?
The BCG vaccine is not very good at protecting adults against tuberculosis. You can still get TB or tuberculosis infection even if you have been vaccinated with BCG. You will need a TB test to find out if you have a latent TB infection or tuberculosis.
Can you get BCG twice?
The BCG vaccine should only be given once in a lifetime.
Why is BCG not given anymore?
However, BCG is generally not recommended for use in the United States because of the low risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the variable efficacy of the vaccine against adult pulmonary tuberculosis, and the potential effect of the vaccine on tuberculin skin test reactivity.
How long is a BCG vaccination good for?
A systematic review conducted in 2012 showed that BCG was effective against tuberculosis for 10 to 15 years. The researchers found that the vaccine was 60% (95% CI, 37-74) effective for less than 5 years, 56% (95% CI, 17-76) effective between 5 and less than 10 years, and 46% (95% CI, 18-64) is valid for up to 15 years.
How effective is the BCG vaccine?
This vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is 70-80% effective against the most severe forms of tuberculosis, such as tuberculous meningitis. However, it is less effective in preventing the form of tuberculosis that affects the lungs.
Is BCG a life vaccine?
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated form of Mycobacterium bovis vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. The vaccine was developed by Calmette and Guérin and was first given to humans in 1921. BCG is the only vaccine against tuberculosis.
What type of vaccine is BCG?
Introduction. BCG or bacillus Calmette-Guerin is a vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). Many persons born abroad have been vaccinated with BCG. BCG is used in many countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis to prevent childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease.
Is BCG vaccine active or passive?
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine that has the ability to induce nonspecific cross-protection against pathogens that may not be associated with the target disease.
Why is BCG not given anymore?
It was replaced in 2005 with a targeted program for infants, children and young adults at higher risk of tuberculosis. This is because TB rates in this country are very low among the general population. Tuberculosis is difficult to catch because it requires close contact with an infected person (for example, living together).
Is BCG a live bacterial vaccine?
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a live attenuated form of Mycobacterium bovis vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. The vaccine was developed by Calmette and Guerin and was first given to humans in 1921. BCG is the only vaccine against tuberculosis.
Do you need a BCG booster?
BCG vaccination is only recommended by the NHS for babies, children and adults under 35 who are at risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). There is little evidence that the BCG vaccine works in people over the age of 35. The BCG vaccine should only be given once in a lifetime.
Is it necessary to have scar after BCG?
About 2 to 6 weeks after the injection, a small spot may appear at the injection site. It is normal for the spot to turn into a blister that sometimes oozes before becoming a crusty scab. It is important to leave the area uncovered as the air will aid in healing. It is normal for a small scar to remain.
Can BCG be given after 5 years?
Since your son is now five years old, you can give him the BCG (Bacillus Calmette Gurin) vaccine. But before he gets the vaccine, he has to do a Mantoux test.
How many doses of BCG are required?
One vial of reconstituted vaccine contains 1 ml, equivalent to 10 doses for adults and children 12 months and older (0.1 ml) or 20 doses for infants under 12 months (0.05 ml).
