Navigating the mpox outbreak

By Adam Sadik •

As mpox spreads around the country and has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in August, many students on campus are worried about their health and the potential impact on their daily lives.

Tasfia Howlader, junior biology major, is concerned about the spread of mpox.

“I remember first hearing about it in 2022 and researching symptoms and how to get tested for it,” Howlader said. “I am worried because it’s spreading pretty quickly, especially with new cases in the U.S. now. I’ve been making sure I use hand sanitizer and am aware about how often I wash my hands with soap as well.”

Despite the worries, Deanne Roopnarine, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and pathophysiology professor in the M.S. Biological Sciences program, said it should not be too much of a cause for concern. She completed her medical residency at Golden Glades Regional Medical Center in Miami.

“It is spread by close personal contact; less frequently by respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated materials. Symptoms are mild but can be fatal in certain groups such as pregnant women, young children and the immunocompromised,” Roopnarine said. “People will present with a rash that can become blisters that are itchy, and people with an unexplained rash should visit their healthcare provider who will decide if further testing is necessary.”

Howlader believes there should be improvement in the public understanding of it.

“There should be more awareness and social outreach,” Howlader said. “There could be more posts and infographics to make the public more aware about mpox and possible risk factors as well.”

Roopnarine said that the virus primarily affects gay men who are sexually active.

“To date, in all countries with cases, the most affected have been GBMSM [gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men],” Roopnarine said. “Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, wear a mask in crowded areas, and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of transmission and protect yourself and others.”

Since June 2024, the CDC has recommended the mpox vaccine primarily for people considered high-risk. Individuals with an unexplained rash should visit a healthcare provider to decide if a test for monkeypox is warranted. Testing and vaccines can be done through the Memorial Healthcare System.