monkey pox alias monkeypox is getting global attention. World Health Organization (WHO) also warned the LGBT community to be vigilant because the virus can be transmitted through sex.
Recently there were findings of cases of monkeypox in patients who were identified as LGBT people.
“Several cases have been identified through sexual health clinics in the community of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men,” said the WHO’s appeal for the LGBT community.
WHO added that transgender and gender-diverse people can also be vulnerable to this outbreak.
However, this does not mean that non-LGBT people are free from transmission of monkeypox. WHO says anyone can be at risk of contracting it when in close contact with an infected person.
Meanwhile, monkeypox is widespread in European countries. Even though monkeypox virus is not commonly found in this area.
Monkeypox can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, including through sex. The virus is transmitted through touching, kissing, oral sex, and penetration with people who have symptoms.
Once infected, symptoms such as a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and weakness will develop.
The WHO warns that these findings do not trigger negative stigma against the LGBT community.
“Anyone can get or transmit monkeypox, regardless of their sexuality,” the WHO concluded.
(els / mik)
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