Face masks have become as common as sunglasses, occupying a spot in our handbags, cases, coat pockets and what have you, but if you thought that you’d be using these items less moving forward, it appears unlikely, and not just because we’re still going through a global pandemic with an uncertain eventuality.
It looks like a new virus is doing the rounds, prompting health officials to encourage people to start masking up again. Monkeypox, a disease found in west and central Africa, has made its way into Europe, the US and Canada, affecting in total 9 countries with 100 known cases in Europe thus far.
Origins of the virus
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, but milder. This disease was initially recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s. Symptoms of this uncommon disease include muscle aches, headaches, fever, swollen lymph-nodes and skin rashes that first appear on the face and then proceed to engulf the rest of the body. Due to the uncommon nature of Monkeypox, concerns have been raised around the world. The WHO (World Health Organisation) held an emergency meeting on May 20th to shed light on this recent outbreak with Germany deeming it the largest outbreak of Monkeypox in Europe ever. Thus far cases have been reported in the following countries: Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, and Belgium.
Cause for concern?
The general consensus from those in the scientific community is that the outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, and this is because, unlike SARS-COV-2, the virus does not spread as easily. Also, by way of contact tracing, cases can be isolated, and vaccines can be administered. While there is no vaccine for monkeypox, data has shown that vaccines used to cure smallpox are 85% effective against it.
There isn’t complete calm regarding this outbreak; in the US a doctor whose Twitter handle is Jaferadian MD has advised that people start masking up as soon as possible. And in New York, the health department is being cautious on the matter and asking New Yorkers to wear face masks for protection against this new virus, COVID-19, and the flu. Monkeypox is spread primarily by way of physical contact but can be caught through respiratory droplets, which is why it is advisable to be more vigilant and to mask up when you have to.
Wear a Cambridge Mask for peace of mind
Cambridge Masks have been tested and certified to filter out 99% of what you breathe when worn correctly. For the best possible fit, please see our size-guide. Our PRO masks are equipped with 3 layers of filtration, the third and final one which is provided by the UK military. We’re not here to raise the alarms, but with all that everyone’s been through over the last 2 years, we’d just like to continue offering peace of mind.
Please note that the information in this article has been sourced from various online media outlets and publications.
Disclaimer: Cambridge Mask is not a medical website. For any medical questions or advice, please consult a doctor or professional medical advisor.