Learn what Dr. Goffa Beh explains about the Monkey Pox outbreak—origin, spread, symptoms, risk groups, vaccines, and prevention steps communities can take.
Monkey Pox Virus Outbreak: A New Public Health Concern?
In the middle of a persistent and devastating COVID-19 pandemic—one that shook families, exposed healthcare gaps, and hit vulnerable communities hardest—another virus emerged with the potential to deepen the global public health burden: Monkey Pox (an orthopoxviral disease). In his Voices Magazine article, Dr. Goffa Beh urges communities to recognize what is happening and respond with awareness and prevention-focused action.
A key message in the article is urgency—but not panic. The outbreak is described as unusual and alarming because it includes sustained transmission patterns that were not previously associated with the virus in the same way. The goal is informed community response: understand how it spreads, recognize signs, reduce stigma, and practice prevention.
Origin and the shift toward broader community spread
Dr. Beh explains that before the May 2022 outbreak, cases were seen sporadically in West and Central Africa. What changed is that the outbreak became more sustained and appeared in Western countries in a way that does not match previously observed modes of transmission, raising concerns that it is now spreading through broader community transmission routes.
The article shares historical context: the virus was first discovered in the late 1950s after an outbreak occurred in a colony of monkeys kept for research in Europe. However, Dr. Beh notes that the origin and source are still unknown. It is believed to spread through infected blood and bodily fluids to animals and humans, while rodents are suspected to be possible sources—though that remains undetermined.
The piece also highlights how public health language matters. Dr. Beh writes that scientists have worried the name “Monkeypox” may carry stigmatizing and derogatory associations that can complicate public health measures and disease control. As a result, the World Health Organization was considering renaming the virus, based on petitions and concerns raised by scientists and African public health voices.
What makes the 2022 outbreak a serious concern
One of the strongest signals of concern in the article is the scope and the pattern of spread. Dr. Beh states that the virus infected individuals in up to 50 U.S. states and in more than 80 countries worldwide, with large numbers of cases reported in the UK and the US. He emphasizes that sustained human-to-human transmission in this way is new, and scientists suggested it could reflect “cryptic transmission” that may have been happening for some time.
The article also notes a historical reference point: in 2003, the CDC found a cluster of cases in six Midwestern states. But the May 2022 outbreak in Europe was described as the largest non-endemic outbreak seen. Taken together, these details underscore why public health agencies and communities are paying close attention.
Mode of transmission: how it spreads
Dr. Beh outlines suspected sources and routes of spread. He describes monkeys as hosts to the virus and notes rodents are suspected in transmission from monkeys to humans. He then explains that the outbreak’s global nature makes it unusual and warrants careful evaluation, including whether it represents a public health emergency of international concern.
In terms of person-to-person transmission, the article lists several routes: spread may occur through sexual contact, contact with infected persons, and contact with bodily fluids or materials from infected persons. The clarity here is important: the risk increases with close contact and exposure to infectious material.
Symptoms: traditional signs and what looked different in the new outbreak
One of the most practical parts of Dr. Beh’s article is how he describes symptoms. Traditionally, Monkey Pox may present with fever, body ache, chills, and enlarged glands, followed by a rash that begins as macules and progresses to papules, vesicles, and pustules. He notes this can appear different from shingles, herpes, and smallpox—an important point because skin conditions can be confusing without medical evaluation.
He also highlights something especially relevant to the newer outbreak: genital, rectal, and oral lesions may occur without the traditional signs and symptoms. Dr. Beh notes these can occur within 4–21 days of exposure before progressing to clinical disease. This change in presentation is part of why the 2022 outbreak required extra awareness and careful screening.
Who is at higher risk?
Dr. Beh identifies groups that may be at higher risk: pregnant women, young children, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic disease, and men who have sex with men. This is presented as a risk-awareness list, not a basis for blame or stigma—especially given the article’s earlier warning about stigmatization harming public health response.
He adds that the disease was considered rare and often self-limiting with mild symptoms. Still, the point remains: higher-risk groups should take prevention seriously and seek medical guidance when symptoms appear.
Diagnosis and medical guidance
The article emphasizes that physicians can suspect the disease based on good history-taking and physical exam and may consider reporting difficult cases for CDC testing. Dr. Beh’s message is simple: if you have a suspicious rash or lesion, check with your doctor.
He also notes that infectious-disease dermatologists have been able to make early diagnoses and offer local treatment in line with CDC recommendations. He describes new outbreaks as involving rapid spread, international travel, and cases without known source, often connected to close and intimate contact.
Vaccines mentioned in the article
Dr. Beh states that two vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available for preventing monkeypox infection: JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000. He explains they are used in specific cases for pre- and post-exposure immunization and for immunizing high-risk groups.
Prevention: the article’s strongest call to action
The closing message is straightforward: prevention is key. Dr. Beh advises practical steps like traveling safely, avoiding close contact with infected persons and materials, avoiding sexual contact with infected persons, and practicing strong personal hygiene. One line stands out as a memorable community reminder: hand washing is gold.
He also frames prevention as something communities already understand—especially after COVID-19. He encourages continued use of basic public health measures adopted during the pandemic, being good stewards of healthcare, and practicing healthy habits. The spirit is shared responsibility and prevention-first thinking.
A respectful note on medical advice (as stated in the PDF)
Dr. Beh includes a disclaimer that his article is not medical advice and represents his opinion, encouraging readers to seek medical advice from their personal physician. That tone matters: community education should guide people toward care—not replace it.
