With monkeypox, stigma challenges public health response
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While anyone can catch monkeypox, so far the majority of the cases in the U.S. and in Minnesota are among men who identify as gay or bisexual, and men who have sex with men. Since cases began appearing in the country, there’s been an ongoing national conversation on how to address those most vulnerable to the disease without perpetuating bias.
“We really don't want to be missing people who might be spreading this virus unaware because they have latched onto the misinformation of the very stigmatizing image of what monkeypox is,” said Mattie Laidlaw, community engagement systems planner in MDH’s Center for Health Equity.
Despite these efforts, though, health officials say this stigma is still affecting how Minnesotans tackle monkeypox.
“It's really getting in the way of people getting tested,” Laidlaw said. “Particularly if you look at communities in greater Minnesota.” | |
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