M-Pox threat goes viral – Vanguard

If you have TikTok, you may have come across content talking about the threat of another global pandemic. However, this time it's supposedly the outbreak of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mpox is a contagious virus that presents as a rash and can be transmitted through skin contact with an infected person or animal.

TikTok user “momsaestheticss” shared a TikTok about the alleged “monkeypox” outbreak at her California high school, claiming, “Our school in California had to close because of monkeypox so we made one last TikTok.” Her TikTok, posted on August 23, has garnered nearly 100,000 likes and reached an even larger audience of 800,000 viewers.

Despite the rise in TikTok content, there is no evidence that California schools have closed or are planning to close due to the Mpox virus. So far, the CDC has not classified Mpox as a serious threat to the U.S. population.

Across the platform, many creatives are expressing fears about a possible lockdown like the one that occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus.

Doctors and recognized specialists speak out against fears of another pandemic.

Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double-board certified pediatrician specializing in allergy treatment and immunology, also known as “rubin_allergy” on TikTok, spoke about the alleged Mpox outbreak. When asked if schools will be closed like they were in 2020, he assured viewers, “There is no new novel virus at this time, so this is unlikely.”

Although the CDC reports that there have been cases of Mpox in the United States, the number has remained stable over the past two years. On August 22, 2022, the CDC announced the completion of an Mpox vaccine, which has been commercially available in the United States since April 1.

More information about Mpox can be found on the CDC website, including detailed information on vaccinations, prevention, and early symptoms of the virus. UNG students also have access to the on-campus student health centers and online patient portal for medical concerns or questions.