PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Monkeypox is the latest example of a virus that was endemic to one part of the world and has spread dramatically.
Monkeypox is being compared to COVID-19. Certainly, COVID stands alone, with 6.5 million deaths worldwide. But monkeypox does share many similarities. Cases can be mild in some, but in others — especially those with underlying conditions — it can cause severe symptoms and even death.
As monkeypox gains a foothold worldwide, there are certain measures we need to take that are similar to the approach taken toward COVID: vaccination, active surveillance of communities to isolate pockets of spread, greater access to treatments and, most importantly, education of the public and health care providers.
This is a playbook which we will use often as newer and different viruses continue to move worldwide.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
