The deputy-general of the world health organization, Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, declared a public health emergency for the outbreak of Monkeypox on July 23rd, 2022. 

The illness was first discovered in 1958, but could be devolving into the next epidemic. The first case was in 1970, but now there are 24,364 cases in the U.S, and 64,193 cases globally.   

The illness is highly contagious and spreads through contact of one’s rashes, scabs and fluid from sores or saliva. It can also be transmitted through intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, and/or sex. 

The main symptom is a rash that resembles pimples. The rash goes through different stages- macular, papular, vesicular, to pustular—before scabbing over and the skin peels. The incubation period is 3-17 days and the illness lasts up to 2-4 weeks. 

There is not a specific treatment for Monkeypox, but there is a medication prescribed to help to recover, TPOXX. It is an investigational drug meaning there is not enough data to ensure the safety or effectiveness of treating monkeypox. If one is prescribed TPOXX, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating you understand TPOXX is an investigational drug that has not yet been approved by the FDA for treatment of monkeypox. 

The first case to be recorded in Arkansas was in the Little Rock school district as they announced their first case on september 8th. The district has been working with the health department to determine the spread of the virus.

 There is a vaccine, but it isn’t readily available. So, it would also be beneficial to change some behaviors that could heighten the risk of the spread.