Monkeypox, a new viral disease, has caused an outbreak that has spread across countries including the United States. The first human case of monkeypox was discovered in 1970. It usually occurs in Central and West Africa and the disease can be transmitted to humans from animals. This virus is similar to the Variola Virus, which causes smallpox. Although the symptoms are similar to smallpox, they are milder and rarely fatal.

Monkeypox can be spread through close contact including touching objects used by someone with the rare disease, contact with their rashes, scabs and intimate intercourse. Rashes from the virus may be located in genitals and could be on other areas like hands, chest, face or mouth. They can go through many stages, like pimples or even blisters that can be painful and itchy before healing.

There are many symptoms, including, but not limited to: fevers, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache and respiratory symptoms. Students and teachers must be wary of monkeypox symptoms and take the necessary precautions to avoid it.

Cases are frequently rising; more than 21,000 cases have been reported in the US. Many people are taking action to prevent themselves from being a part of any one of these cases. Sanai Griffin, a sophomore, has heard about the viral outbreak and is taking many precautions to make sure she does not become one of these cases.

Griffin has been very careful with avoiding contact with others and many objects, so she can protect herself and her family. Griffin found out about the outbreak in early August and thinks students and teachers should get vaccinated“It will keep us safer as a community,” Griffin said, “They should think about others and not just themselves.”Jynneos and the ACAM2000 are two of the vaccines used to prevent people from getting monkeypox.

Suncoast students and teachers should take precautions to make our school environment safe and healthy. Chalkbeat. org states, “If a school does have a case of monkeypox, staff should clean and disinfect the places the infected person spent time, as well as any items or surfaces they touched.”

When dealing with a huge population of kids, it is very important to make sure students and teachers are functioning properly in a healthy and secure environment. Griffin also believes school work and assignments should be given virtually, “so they[students and staff] do not have to get exposed when getting or returning paper.” She also feels like students are not very thorough with washing and sanitizing their hands.

Monkeypox is a viral, contagious and ongoing disease that can only get worse if not handled and taken care of properly. This is why it is essential to clean your hands after you touch objects or people around you. Protect yourself and others around Suncoast from this dangerous illness.