Throughout history, homosexual activity has given rise to great myths that today find explanation in medical biology.
Despite the epidemiological data, we must avoid stigmatizing homosexuality. Transmission depends on individual responsibility regarding risks, whether the person is homosexual or heterosexual.
What is monkeypox?
LViruses can be RNA or DNA. In the case of the monkey pox It corresponds to a DNA virus that belongs to the family called Poxvirus, of which there are four species that can cause infections in humans: the smallpox virus, the vaccine virusto the cowpox virus and the monkeypox virusThe infection of bovine virus It can cause infection in those who take care of them.
the virus monkey pox It is transmitted to monkeys through other animals. It appears that the reservoir is located among squirrels and other rodentsAs for the symptoms in humans, one of the most distinguishing characteristics, to differentiate it from smallpox, These are lymphadenopathy. Presents a Approximate mortality of 10% in endemic countries.The first diagnosed case in non-African humans was in the USA in 2003. Previously, it had been diagnosed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
It is transmitted through close contact, body fluids, and utensils that have been used by previously infected individuals.
Epidemiological data
The latest tabulation of the number of cases of the World Health Organization It has become obsolete. The number of cases continues to rise despite the preventative measures being taken by the various Autonomous Communities..
Despite the fact that epidemiological data is difficult to find, and that incomplete data is provided to society, yesterday – 5/7/2022 – the Ministry of Health He published a report on the health situation, although, as mentioned above, the data is incomplete and outdated, so it cannot be analyzed more thoroughly from an epidemiological point of view.
Likewise, yesterday the Region of Madrid published some data in his Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin The report confirms that 1.011 cases have been detected to date, while, according to Ministry data, 768 cases were reported in Madrid as of July 4th; 99,0% of these were men, ranging in age from 18 to 69 years old. The vast majority were MSM, that is, men who have sex with men.
Below are the results according to the Ministry of Health:
Update on cumulative cases in Spain (August 12, 2022)
Increase in the number of cases (absolute frequencies). Updated: (August 12, 2022)
A responsible reading wouldn't hurt.
Before moving on to some personal reflections, I thought it appropriate to explain what is meant by an outbreak and what by an epidemic. We're talking about an outbreak when a disease suddenly appears in a specific place and at a specific time, and epidemic when the disease spreads rapidly due to the impossibility of controlling it and also persists over time.
Hence the pertinent question: are we facing an outbreak or an epidemic? These are the fears currently prevalent among health authorities because, although the incidence appears to be under control, the number of cases continues to rise, and cases have begun to appear in individuals who are not considered at risk.
What seems to be happening?I know that health authorities are working intensively with LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to provide them with information on the risk factors for this disease, as well as comprehensive knowledge of the preventive measures to implement regarding their sexual and social activity. However, all of this is done under the premise of not upsetting the rest of society in a way that could lead to... a stigmatization of the subjects who practice homosexuality. This precautionary measure seems correct to me in principle, although I believe that society as a whole should be informed about risky behaviors and situations.
What are these situations?
- Sexual promiscuity. Yes, promiscuity, even though this recommendation may seem outdated.
- Group sex is now commonplace. One only needs to search the internet to see how widespread the advertising is for this type of sexual activity.
- Multi-risk sexual activities, such as chemisex, where drug use is added to sexual activity.
- To strictly prohibit the autonomous communities from distributing leaflets that talk about how to carry out these activities "safely", as if this were possible.
- Educate our youth about safe sex. For example, using condoms, avoiding strangers, blackout rooms, and any group sex.
In a sad world where pleasure and "joy" are found only in uncontrolled and irresponsible sexual activity, it's no wonder that venereal diseases that were practically eradicated, such as syphilis, are reappearing. Although monkeypox is not considered a venereal disease, there have been reported cases where the virus has been found in semen.
We are faced with a vision of the world and of man in which, in the name of freedom, we are presented with Herberg Marcuse and Michel Foucault as role models of liberators to follow already Sigmund Freud like a puritanical old fogey who only seeks to stifle our most basic biological instincts. Great cultures, especially the Greco-Roman, went from being an example of cultural, economic, and scientific creativity to deeply entrenching a decadent atmosphere. Although it is not the only cause, the abandonment of the founding values of their greatness as a culture includes giving primacy to basic instincts over moderation. Freud already said it in «the malaise of cultureExcess is never good; it never has been. And our society has lost the traditional values that gave it consistency and strength, falling into... the non-value of "anything goes"We have gone from positively valuing the need to live in society, to the most destructive individualism, to relativizing the values that have been shown throughout history as cohesive in common life and progress, to the belief that values are decided by the individual and can be changed not only over time, but also within the same individual as it suits them.
The commitment is not to society, family, or friendship, but to oneself. It is no longer a society, but rather a fragmentation into small groups that share narcissistic interests. The individual is more alone than ever.
