Monkeypox outbreak declared by WHO: advice to gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of a disease called monkeypox, which is currently taking place in many countries that do not typically have cases. An outbreak of a disease called monkeypox is happening in some countries where the virus is not typically found.

WHO says some cases have been identified through sexual health clinics in communities of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Transgender people and gender-diverse people may also be more vulnerable in the context of the current outbreak.

The World Health Organisation said, "The risk of monkeypox is not limited to men who have sex with men, but anyone who has close contact with someone infectious is at risk." The advice continues, "given that the virus is being identified in these communities, learning about monkeypox will help ensure that as few people as possible are affected and that the outbreak can be stopped."

WHO public health advice on the outbreak contains information on how the disease spreads, what to do if you think you have symptoms, and how to protect yourself and others from monkeypox. It's time for community leaders, influencers, health workers, and people attending social events and parties to inform and engage communities of men who have sex with men.

Monkeypox disease symptoms include a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, and/or genitals, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle aches, and low energy. Someone is likely to catch monkeypox if he or she has close physical contact with someone who is showing symptoms, including touching and being face-to-face.

Monkeypox can spread during close skin-to-skin contact during sex, including kissing, touching, and oral and penetrative sex with someone who has symptoms. Against that backdrop, the public is advised to avoid having close contact with anyone who has symptoms.

According to WHO, isolating at home and talking to a health worker if someone or your relative has symptoms; avoiding skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact, including sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms; cleaning hands, objects, and surfaces that have been touched regularly; and wearing a mask if you are in close contact with someone with symptoms.

Despite the confirmed monkeypox outbreak, WHO continues to warn against stigmatizing people because of a disease. It is never OK to Anyone can get or pass on monkeypox, regardless of their sexuality.