Covid v.s. Monkey Pox

From urban to remote communities, Monkeypox and COVID-19 have made their mark worldwide.

In the battle of emerging viruses, these two stand out not just for their impact on public health but for their strikingly different types of spreading and the unique challenges they provide to the human population. COVID-19 has been an issue since 2019, and now Monkeypox is making a comeback as of 2024. What does this mean for America? Iowa? More importantly, Northwest High School? 

“Two weeks off,” seven million dead five years later. COVID-19, the three-year-long epidemic, permanently wounding the world by itself. As of September 2024, 20,000 Monkeypox cases have been reported in the U.S. 

However, according to the CDC, in an article posted on September 20, 2024, “we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in three states, declining or likely declining in 23 states, and are stable or uncertain in 22 states.” An epidemic is described as cases larger than normally expected. Is the world on the verge of another? 

Understanding the symptoms of these viruses is pivotal for an effective response and prevention. Respiratory issues, including cough, fever and shortness of breath, often accompanied by fatigue and loss of taste or smell, are all primary symptoms of COVID-19. Monkeypox starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, followed by a distinctive rash that develops into painful bumps on the skin. 

Shaurya Sharma, a sophomore at Northwest High School, said “I’ve heard that Monkeypox makes you look really ugly. It gives you fat pores everywhere.”

Whether it is due to a weakened immune system, poor treatment or just chance, both viruses can be fatal. Coming down with anything remotely close to these symptoms? Get tested. Positive? Stay home and get treatment. As the majority of schools continue to run, awareness of symptoms will be key to ensuring the safety of the Waukee community.

Additionally, how one attracts these viruses is just as, if not more important, than its symptoms. When it comes to transmission, COVID-19 spreads specifically through the respiratory system when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, making close contact, the risk factor significantly increases. It can also spread on surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Mrs. Doherty, an Honors Biology teacher at Northwest High School, said, “Those spikes are proteins that can kind of trick your cells into letting that virus in. So, your cell has receptors on it, and the receptors can see that protein on the COVID virus, and it will let that virus in.” 

Monkeypox is mainly transferred through direct contact with wounds, bodily fluids or respiratory breaths from an infected person. Clearly, just going about one’s daily life without care is not going to keep the district safe. Practice good hygiene, safe sex, and social distancing.