Greetings THRIVE family,
The CDC has confirmed 3,400 cases of Monkeypox in the US. We know that there is a lot of stress surrounding the unknowns related to transmission. As THRIVE is committed to community power building, we will continue to share factual, science-based information. This is not a time to make stigmatizing assumptions and sweeping accusations related to who is likely to get monkeypox and how. This is the time when we learn from the mistakes and missteps made during the fights against HIV and COVID. This is our opportunity to lead with love and compassion for all people. We will get through this. Remember, we are stronger together!!
How to prevent the spread of Monkeypox:
Safe practices:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Vaccination:
- CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox, including:
- People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox
- People who may have been exposed to monkeypox, such as:
- People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
- People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox.