June is one of my favorite months. School is out, summer commences, gemini season, and lastly Pride! Did you know the first pride was a riot at the Stonewall Inn in New York City? Pride is an integral cultural concept within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI) community, representing solidarity, collectivity, and identity as well as resistance to discrimination and violence (USCF 2023). During the month of June, the LGBTQ+ is uplifted and supported as well as celebrated.
With many pride events occurring during this season, I want to highlight some public health news for you.
TLDR;
– There was a monkeypox (MPOX) surge in the Chicago in US in 2022
– Persons at highest risk are: Queer men who have sex with men, trans women, black and latinx men
– Large gathering such as Pride events are of concern
– Pride is a time to be educated and aware of MPOX
– Vaccination help by reducing the risk of infection
What is Monkeypox?
MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox, made headlines last summer as cases were emerging. Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. (WHO 2023)
The CDC identified a new cluster of Mpox in Chicago that put the US on the cusp of an outbreak. Mpox can last on surfaces for a long time and can be airborne. Mpox’s main route of transmission is through close skin to skin contact. This can be through sex, coming into contact with exposed rashes, or through saliva and other bodily excretions.
While parties and events where people dance close to each other are not seen as high-risk, it is recommended if you feel sick to stay at home.
Though anyone can get Mpox, it is more likely to spread in networks of men who have sex with men. With many upcoming events during the month of Pride, I want to ensure you all are proactively lowering risks of infection. We are currently on the brink of a potential surge but there are ways we can work to combat it.
Mpox Vaccine
There is a Mpox vaccine, called Jynneos, which may be available at your local health department, public health clinics, hospitals, or even at large social gatherings or venues.
Mpox vaccines are free and you can use the CDC vaccine finder to assist with finding yours. Those who are eligible for Mpox vaccination should get their two doses to reduce chances of infection. Check your eligibility for the vaccine here.
CDC data shows that of the 1.7 million people that are at high risk for Mpox, only 23% have been fully vaccinated. New evidence also shows that people with prior immunity, either through vaccination or recovering from an infection, can get Mpox again.
The Mpox vaccine, Jynneos, can help protect against smallpox, monkeypox, and other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia virus. JYNNEOS vaccine is effective at reducing the risk of mpox, with two doses providing the best protection. (CDC 2023)
Awareness and Education
In order to ensure that we have a safe and fun Pride, we have to focus on the prevention, awareness, and education around Mpox.
Improving vaccination and awareness among those at risk could prevent a summer surge.
Some other ways to stay protected are:
- Checking for unusual rashes on yourself and your partner (Lights on before turning the lights off!)
- Seek testing to know your status. Get treatment if you feel sick and/or have any unusual lesions
- Keep contact information for all sexual partners so you can easily notify each other in the case of exposure to MPOX.
Stay healthy this June, Pride season, and beyond! Thank you for reading and please share with your network! Talk to you soon !
Connect With Aliyha Hill, MPH
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