Important Information
Can Children Contract Monkeypox? What Parents Need to Know About the Viral Illness
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Stay calm, but remain alert.
In the aftermath of the exhausting pandemic, the last thing anyone wants to hear is the word “outbreak.” Yet, here we are again, facing new headlines filled with worry and uncertainty: What exactly is monkeypox, and how concerned should we be? Initially, a small number of cases has now escalated to 584 confirmed instances across 26 countries as of May 31. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 18 cases in eight states in the U.S.
Before you start preparing for a lockdown or pulling your child from school, let’s delve into an encouraging discussion with Dr. Emily Foster, a pediatrician and parenting specialist based in Los Angeles. The key takeaway? There’s no immediate cause for alarm, but staying informed is wise.
Everything Parents Should Know About Monkeypox in 2022
How concerned should we be about kids getting monkeypox?
Dr. Emily Foster: Currently, parents should not be overly worried about their children contracting monkeypox.
Why is there so much media coverage about it then?
Dr. Foster: Although monkeypox is quite rare, cases have been confirmed in Europe and the United States, which is unusual. Naturally, this attracts media attention. However, right now, the likelihood of your child getting COVID-19 is much higher. Parents should feel reassured, but if they have any concerns, they should consult their pediatrician.
What’s the method of transmission for monkeypox?
Dr. Foster: The virus is transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans, or through contaminated materials. It can enter the body via broken skin, mucous membranes, or respiratory tract. Animal-to-human transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or direct contact with bodily fluids from lesions. Indirect contact, such as touching contaminated bedding, can also spread the virus.
Should we instruct our kids on any preventive measures?
Dr. Foster: They should continue practicing the same precautions they take to avoid COVID-19. According to the CDC, monkeypox spreads primarily through large respiratory droplets, which typically do not travel far. Thus, avoiding prolonged close contact is advisable.
How does monkeypox differ from chickenpox and smallpox?
Dr. Foster: Monkeypox and smallpox both belong to the poxvirus family, while chickenpox is caused by the Varicella zoster virus and is unrelated. Smallpox, which has been eradicated due to vaccination, is highly contagious and severe. Monkeypox is milder and can be prevented by the smallpox vaccine. Clinically, monkeypox can be distinguished by lymph node swelling that occurs before the rash.
What if a child does contract monkeypox?
Dr. Foster: After an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, symptoms typically start with fever, headaches, muscle aches, swollen glands, and fatigue — similar to flu symptoms. A few days after the fever, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to the body. The rash goes through various stages: flat red spots, elevated blisters, and finally scabbing over. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and it usually resolves within 2 to 4 weeks.
Note: While there is no monkeypox vaccine currently available, the smallpox vaccine is effective against it, and a combined vaccine exists for potential outbreaks. For the latest updates on monkeypox, visit the CDC’s website.
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Summary:
With the rise of monkeypox cases worldwide, parents may be concerned about their children’s safety. However, experts suggest that there is no current cause for alarm, as the risk of contracting monkeypox remains low compared to other illnesses like COVID-19. Transmission occurs through contact with infected individuals or materials, and preventive measures are similar to those for COVID-19. Understanding the symptoms and how monkeypox differs from similar diseases can help parents stay informed and prepared.
Keyphrase: Monkeypox threat to children
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