In light of the ongoing monkeypox epidemic, health officials have started keeping an eye out for any signs of viral clusters at large events like pool parties and music festivals.
Symptoms of the virus are comparable to those of smallpox, which is why this viral zoonosis is so frightening. People are concerned that they might contract monkeypox through a swimming pool or other recreational bodies of water due to recent media reports about the illness.
Of the total 26,519 cases reported worldwide, the CDC has recorded 6,617 occurring in the United States. The recent spread of the monkeypox virus has prompted the authorities to declare a public health emergency.
To date, there have been no reported fatalities from monkeypox in the USA. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the mortality rate from this virus ranges from 3% to 6%, with the greatest risk being those people who already have weakened immune systems.
Although monkeypox has been on the rise in Africa and other parts of the world, it is still uncommon in North America. In contrast to COVID-19, which is spread mostly through respiratory droplets, monkeypox is spread primarily through direct contact with an infected person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease is primarily passed from person to person through prolonged, close contact.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the first symptoms of a monkeypox infection are typically a high temperature accompanied by a headache, chills, a swollen lymph node, weariness, back discomfort, and muscle aches.
Is It Possible to Contract Monkeypox from a Swimming Pool?
While direct skin-to-skin contact is the most typical route for transmission, the answer to the question of whether or not monkeypox may be spread through a swimming pool remains unclear. Research into the spread of other pox viruses, such as the more common molluscum contagiosum, has shown that spread is increased in swimming pools, according to the CDC; however, scientists have not yet discovered evidence for how or under what circumstances this might occur.
“Activities related to swimming might be the cause. For example, the virus might spread from one person to another if they share a towel or toys. More research is needed to understand if and for how long the molluscum virus can live in swimming pool water and if such water can infect swimmers.” - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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