The NPR Politics Podcast Monkeypox Declared Public Health Emergency. Now What?
Aug 8, 2022
Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR's science correspondent, dives deep into the urgent issue of monkeypox, recently declared a public health emergency. She explains the virus's transmission, particularly within specific communities, and discusses the significant delays in vaccination rollouts. The conversation touches on the federal response, including potential use of the Defense Production Act, and the lessons not yet learned from COVID-19. Doucleff also shares protective strategies for high-risk populations while navigating this outbreak.
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Monkeypox Origins and Evolution
- Monkeypox is less deadly than smallpox, but the 2017 Nigerian outbreak showed increased person-to-person spread.
- This shift led to the current global outbreak, highlighting the virus's evolving nature.
Monkeypox Transmission
- Monkeypox spreads primarily through close sexual contact, with 95% of cases linked to this route.
- While transmission via surfaces or prolonged conversations is possible, it's exceedingly rare.
Most at Risk
- 98% of U.S. monkeypox cases occur in gay or queer men, including trans individuals, within their sexual networks.
- This data highlights the disproportionate impact on this community.