With the continued monkeypox outbreak becoming a national health emergency, parents have raised concerns as to how much at risk their kids could possibly be. Luckily, there’s no must panic just yet.
While it’s true that there are a couple of confirmed cases of monkeypox in children, Dr. Larry Kociolek, the medical director of infection, prevention and control and attending physician in infectious diseases at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, said the general risk for youngsters continues to be exceedingly low.
In an interview with Fortune, Dr. Kociolek said, “In comparison with COVID-19 and other childhood viruses, just like the flu and RSV [respiratory syncytial virus], monkeypox doesn’t transmit between people very easily. Currently, there are 10 pediatric cases across the globe and two reported cases within the U.S.”
This implies the overwhelming majority of rashes in children are from other infectious or noninfectious diseases.
He added that preventative measures for monkeypox are just like those we already do for other common infections. This includes staying at home when sick, incessantly washing hands with soap and water, and, after all, avoiding contact with other sick people.
He also emphasized that anyone who suspects having monkeypox should immediately discuss with their doctor. With testing more available now, it ought to be easy to verify whether one has caught the virus or not.
“In case you do suspect, or have been told you will have monkeypox, a very powerful option to prevent spreading it’s by keeping skin lesions covered and never sharing items which have had contact with skin lesions with other people, reminiscent of bed linens, towels and clothing,” he added.
While it’s believed that monkeypox isn’t as transmissible via the respiratory route as COVID-19, wearing masks and keeping distance from other persons are still really helpful.
In line with the American Academy of Pediatrics, treatment for monkeypox in children is out there, with Tecovirimat being the primary line of defense used under an investigational protocol.
The JYNNEOS vaccine may be really helpful for youngsters under 18 exposed to the virus.