Monekypox has been around for decades but usually only affects people in central or western Africa. In May, outbreaks were identified in UK and other parts of Europe.
It has since spread to the US, where there have been over 300 cases. It is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men.Related: International Mr Leather event in Chicago linked to monkeypox casesMonkeypox is mainly spread by direct skin contact between individuals.
There’s an incubation period of 1-2 weeks. Those affected usually develop sores, lesions and scabs that are infectious. It can also be spread through contaminated clothing and linen.Ford, who is gay, told Buzzfeed, “On Friday, June 17 … I received a call from a friend in LA who informed me that he had tested positive for monkeypox and that I might have been exposed the weekend prior via skin-to-skin contact.
Sure enough, I checked myself for spots and noticed a couple of lesions in the underwear zone.”In his video, Ford goes on to show the spots on his face, arms, hands and torso.