We will put aside COVID-19 related matters for now so we can focus our attention on the rapid spread of Monkeypox around the world. So far, Monkeypox cases have been reported in 32 countries and it seems like we have a new potential pandemic in our hands. Most of the reported cases come from the same source and are sexually related. However, we should not make the same mistake as with HIV – Monkeypox can affect all individuals, not just people of the same sex who engage in sexual relations.

At this point, there are no fatalities reported yet. However, in central Africa there were up to 10% death from the same virus in the past. The good news on this matter is that there are few vaccines and medicines already available.

 We are at a crossroads in relation to COVID-19 – if we have a highly-vaccinated population in the Northern Hemisphere, we also have a population that do not follow or respect containment measures anymore. Although the severity had decreased, COVID-19 cases have not yet decreased. Many of those vaccinated may now gradually lose their immunity.

 With the approach of next winter in some countries, we may have new variants that can be more contagious and aggressive on poorly vaccinated populations in the Southern Hemisphere. With this, together with weakened immunity from the rest of the world’s population and lack of containment measures that have been relaxed or abandoned by most people, we would create a perfect storm in a few months.

Keep safe.

 15th June 2022