According to the New York Times headlines, Monkeypox is all but gone. Are there lessons to be learned? In the Atlanta area, there are two obvious reasons for the rapid decline of Monkeypox. Local public health agencies quickly opened accessible vaccination clinics. The gay community came willingly and appreciative. They came in droves.
While we can’t compare apples and oranges (Monkeypox and COVID), there are lessons to be learned.
Our former president’s mishandling of the COVID pandemic led to delays and confusion. He ramped up the anti-vaxxers, the ant-maskers, and the COVID deniers. Yet, he ultimately was vaccinated and, when he did fall victim to the virus, he was treated with medicines unavailable to most people. Vaccinated Trump supporters were criticized for being disloyal to him.
When disease is politicized, Americans die.
Carole J. Garrison 