CDC Warns of Mpox Risk at Summer Gatherings and Offers Prevention Tips.
As we all look forward to the summer months and to making plans with friends and family, we need to take important steps to protect our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the potential risk of Mpox — a bacterial infection that can be spread by close contact with an infected individual.
The CDC is urging everyone to take steps to protect themselves before attending events and gatherings this summer. While the disease is rare, the CDC reminds us that it can be serious if not treated promptly, so it’s important to take precautions. In this article, we’ll discuss what Mpox is, how to recognize it, and how you can protect yourself from it as you get ready for summer activities.
CDC Issues New Mpox Guidance Ahead of Holiday Weekend
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an important warning regarding the risk of mpox at summer gatherings and offered tips for avoiding infection. The agency said that, as the Memorial Day holiday approaches, more people are expected to gather outdoors, making it essential that everyone take preventive measures to ensure their safety.
What exactly is mpox? It’s an illness caused by a type of bacteria that is spread through contact with infected objects, surfaces and droplets in the air. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, headaches, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. While most cases can be easily treated with antibiotics, mpox can seriously affect some people and even lead to death in rare cases.
That’s why it’s so important to take preventive steps when attending any gathering this summer — especially outdoors where it’s easier for the virus to spread through air particles. The CDC recommends washing your hands often, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available, avoiding touching your face and wearing a face covering when possible.
How Mpox Spreads and Symptoms to Watch Out For
It’s essential to know how Mpox is transmitted and the associated symptoms so you can protect yourself against it this summer. Generally, Mpox is spread through person-to-person contact, such as through a cough or sneeze. It can also be spread through contact with infected surfaces or objects.
The main symptoms of Mpox to look out for include a fever, rash, body aches, and fatigue. However, there are other less common symptoms as well that could indicate that you have contracted the virus — these include red eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. In more severe cases, people may experience swollen glands and difficulty breathing. If you develop any of these symptoms after attending a gathering where someone was ill with Mpox it’s important to immediately seek medical care from a doctor or emergency room.
Avoid Close Contact With People Who Are Sick
The CDC warns that close contact with people who are sick puts you at risk for mpox. With the summer months ahead, it’s important to know what to look out for and to take steps to avoid contact with those who might be infected.
So, what do you need to do?
Recognize Symptoms
First and foremost, you should look out for symptoms in those around you. Common symptoms of mpox include fever, body aches, sore throat, runny nose and coughing. If someone is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, they should be isolated from others and tested as soon as possible.
Social Distance
Another key prevention tip from the CDC is social distancing. This means creating physical distance between yourself and others; typically this means staying six feet away from other people when possible. This is particularly important in large gatherings or settings when it’s hard to maintain a safe distance away from other people.
Use Precautions
In addition to social distancing, other ways to avoid contact with sick individuals include:
Wearing face masks or shields when possible or when in close proximity of others outside your household
Practicing good hand-washing techniques by using soap and water or hand sanitizer regularly (at least 20 seconds each time)
Avoiding touching the eyes, nose or face unnecessarily
Practice Good Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
It’s no secret that good hand and respiratory hygiene can go a long way in preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, and mpox is no different. The CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. It’s also important to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others, as well as avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
When you’re around others who are coughing or sneezing, make sure to use your sleeve or elbow to cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. And if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, rash or enlarged lymph nodes, it’s important to stay home until you are feeling better — both as a safety precaution for yourself as well as those around you.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces in Your Home Regularly
It’s a good idea to keep your home and outdoor spaces clean and disinfected, especially now that summer gatherings are coming up. As the CDC warns, it is important to practice good hygiene habits to avoid potential exposure to mpox.
So what do you need to do? The first step is to establish a regular routine of cleaning, disinfecting and airing out high-touch surfaces in your home. This includes door handles, light switches, furniture, countertops, bathrooms etc. To make life easier for yourself, you can use a checklist or schedule for regularly disinfecting these areas.
When it comes to cleaning products, the CDC recommends using ones with an EPA registration number on the label — these are proven effective against mpox. Or you can make your own homemade cleaner with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water (or four teaspoons per quart). Allow the solution stay on the surface for at least 10 minutes before wiping off with a microfiber cloth or paper towels.
Finally, remember that ventilation is key when it comes to preventing mpox — make sure your indoor and outdoor spaces get plenty of fresh air!
Consider Getting Vaccinated if at High Risk
The CDC has been warning of the potential risk of mpox at summer gatherings and is recommending certain measures to help prevent its spread. One of these is considering getting vaccinated if you’re at high risk of contracting the virus.
A vaccination can protect you from getting infected and stop the virus from spreading to others, so it’s important to think about if you, or someone in your family, needs a shot. The chances of catching mpox can be higher for people who have weakened immune systems, those who haven’t been vaccinated before, people participating in group activities, or anyone who contacts many different people.
Vaccination Options
When considering whether or not to get vaccinated, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual risk and potential vaccine options. Those at high risk might be recommended vaccines such as:
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
Varicella (chickenpox)
Heamophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Influenza (flu)
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY or MenB)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Each vaccination will offer protection against different illnesses, so it’s best to speak with a medical professional and get their recommendations on what type of vaccination best suits your needs.
Conclusion
No one wants to worry about getting ill at a summer gathering, but being proactive and following the CDC’s guidance can help reduce the risk of Mpox.
Ensure that any food and beverages served at your gatherings are properly stored and handled, and be sure to keep your hands clean by washing them often and using hand sanitizer. Additionally, you should encourage everyone at your gathering to wear a face covering whenever possible and to practice social distancing.
By taking the time to be mindful of these important safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and fun gathering for you and your family this summer, free from the risks of Mpox.
