No. On Saturday, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency. In other words, without a coordinated international response, this could escalate into a pandemic.
How did we get here?
Monkeypox has been around since at least the ‘70s. But it has largely stayed confined to Central and West Africa. That all changed in the past two months, when cases started popping up around the world. There are now more than 16,000 recorded cases in over 70 countries — and almost 3,000 in the US alone.
What do we know about the disease?
It can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever and chills. Eventually, it can develop into a painful rash that can appear anywhere on the body — which is when the disease is believed to be most infectious. So far this year, there have been no recorded deaths in the US.
How do we stay safe?
By knowing how it spreads: largely through direct, skin-to-skin contact. It can also spread through respiratory droplets (think: face-to-face interaction). And possibly through bedding. In the current outbreak, the LGBTQ+ community has been disproportionately impacted. It’s brought up a lot of painful memories surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, stigma, and when and how governments choose to acknowledge a health crisis and roll out treatment.
Speaking of treatment…
The US has access to two vaccines: one originally for smallpox and another that is newer, with fewer side effects. Both are in short supply. But the US could be ready to roll out hundreds of thousands more doses by the end of this month. Meanwhile, patients have reported struggles accessing treatment.
theSkimm
As much as no one wants to hear the word ‘outbreak’ anymore, here we are again. But experts say staying vigilant now can prevent the spread from getting bad to worse.
And Also...This
What could be looking up…
Grain exports. On Friday, Ukraine and Russia agreed to unblock shipments of grain. The deal aimed to help curb soaring global food prices, and end a logjam that the UN said might otherwise push 49 million people into famine or hunger. That’s because Russia and Ukraine reportedly supply about 40% of wheat in Africa. But the good news was short-lived: One day after signing the deal, Ukraine said Russia launched a missile attack on the southern port city of Odesa. Though Russia said it was targeting a military boat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the move undermined trust in the deal. The attack on Odesa came as Ukraine works to retake the southern region of Kherson, which experts reportedly think could happen by September. And as Ukraine reported additional Russian shelling throughout the country.
Where people are keeping an eye out…
California. Over the weekend, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency over a wildfire near Yosemite National Park. The fire — named Oak Fire — has forced thousands of people in central CA to flee their homes as firefighters battle the blazes. Thousands of homes and businesses have lost power. Officials say the low humidity and high heat — plus CA’s worst drought in decades — is a recipe for disaster. The state, along with much of the world, has seen wildfires get worse over the years as climate change rages on.
Who’s facing prison…
Steve Bannon. On Friday, a jury found the former President Trump adviser guilty of contempt of Congress. The Justice Dept had charged him after he refused to show up to a Jan 6 hearing despite being subpoenaed. He’s the first close Trump aide to be convicted amid the Jan 6 House committee's probe, and the first person to be convicted of contempt of Congress since 1974. Bannon, who called the committee “gutless,” faces up to two years in prison — and will be sentenced in October.
Who beat his PR and deserves all the high fives...
We're more than halfway through 2022, and while we're still wrapping our heads around that, Skimm’rs have been busy adding to cart. This month, we’re looking back at what products our audience really loved. Check out...
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The fan-fave tubing mascara with over 20,000 five-star reviews. Eyelashes, meet your new partner in crime. This ultra-lengthening mascara guarantees luscious lashes that look like extensions. Plus it lasts allll day without clumping, flaking, or smudging. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off.*
2. What to say when things get awkward at the family BBQ. You can’t always control what misinformation your uncle might bring to the table. Thankfully, comedian Pinky Patel knows how to deal. And together with Pfizer, we got her to break it down for us.*
3. An electrolyte mix that’ll help you stay salty. In a good way. This delicious drink mix has just what you need to keep on keeping on. And nothing you don’t. (Read: lots of salt, no sugar.) PS: Skimm’rs get a free gift with any purchase.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Traveling truths…Virginie C (VA). She launched a social networking app that highlights the importance of diversity and representation in travel — honoring the different identities that people see in the world.
(Some) Birthdays…Sue Aprati (IL), Rachel Park (NY), theSkimm's Celeste Layne (NY), Betsy Lee (FL), Kari Kessler (MN), Samantha Watson (NC ), Mark Berger (NY), Kaitlin Breitag (NE), Nate Brown (MA), Adriana Leyva (TX), Rita Bertossio (CAN), Jaime Rodriguez (GA), Melanie Artis (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
The only thing giving us summertime sadness is how much money we’re spending. But weddings, happy hours, and trips don’t have to break the bank. We have seven ways to keep your budget in check this season (and have fun while doing it).
theSkimm Loyalty Program
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10 Gifts to Celebrate 10 Years of Skimm’ng* continues. Today’s gift: a Fitbit Inspire 2 Activity Tracker. Log in and enter to win here. Not a member yet? No sweat. Enroll in our Loyalty Program and we’ll automatically add you to the giveaway*.
*Terms and Conditions apply for the 10 Gifts to Celebrate 10 Years of Skimm’ng Sweepstakes occurring between July 18, 2022 and July 29, 2022. By joining and/or entering, you affirm that you have read and agree to the T&Cs. Reach out to loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Mariza Smajlaj, Xian Chiang-Waren, and Julie Shain
