The world is just beginning to feel the Coronavirus pandemic loosen it grip when we have a new disease to be concerned with: Monkeypox.

What is Monkeypox? It is a viral infection - related to smallpox - that was first noticed in 1958 in research monkeys. The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded the first human case in 1970.

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Up until now, only cases appeared in people in or who had traveled from the DRC. who had traveled to the DRC. Now in May of 2022, new cases are coming to light - in people that have no connection to international travel.

In the past human to human transmission was extremely rare. The disease causes a skin rash with multiple large oozing blisters. Transmission could occur with the contact of the body fluids or linens contaminated with these fluids.

Animal transmission could occur through a bite, scratch or eating bush meat.

Scientists are now investigating whether the recent infections were transmitted from one human to another via sexual activity.

On the positive side, there is already a vaccine that is currently available to people who are at high risk of exposure, such as medical workers. And like the Coronavirus the best ways to prevent infection are to avoid contact with an infected person, infected animals, or any materials handled by an infected person or animal.

And wash your hands!