London, Europe Brief News – A recent monkeypox outbreak across the U.S., Europe, Australia and the Middle East has raised concerns of a wider outbreak.
While health experts agree the risks to the general public are low, there are several precautions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.
Recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.K.’s National Health Service and WHO include:
Avoid coming into contact with people recently diagnosed with the virus or those who may have been infected.
Wear a face mask if you are in close contact with someone who has symptoms.
Use condoms and keep an eye out for symptoms if you have recently changed sexual partners.
Avoid coming into contact with animals that could be carrying the virus. This includes sick or dead animals and particularly those with a history of infection, such as monkeys, rodents and prairie dogs.
Practice good hand hygiene, especially after coming into contact with infected — or suspected infected — animals or humans. For instance, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Use personal protective equipment when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected monkeypox infection.
Only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly.
