On Aug. 14, 2024 the World Health Organization declared monkeypox (mpox), a global health Emergency due to a substantial increase in cases. Mpox has been an issue in Africa since 1970, but this deadly disease has finally reached America. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there have been 32,063 confirmed cases and 58 deaths in America as of January. There is no doubt that mpox is a serious issue.

Unlike central and West Africa, mpox cases in the United States have not happened until recently. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, the first reported case of mpox in the United States was in Boston on May 17, 2022. There have been thousands of cases across the country. According to the CDC, mpox is most common in New York, Georgia, California, and Florida. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine for mpox for people who are at risk.

Should the people of Berkley schools be concerned? If you were to ask the students and teachers of Berkley, the answer would most likely be no. In a poll asking 30 students and teachers at Berkley High “Are you concerned that mpox could personally affect you?” 60% of teachers and students said no, 26.6% said somewhere in the middle, and just 13.3% percent responded yes. If you were to ask experts, they would agree with the students and teachers of Berkley. According to NBC News there are “No plans to close schools in the event of mpox outbreak, Despite misinformation spreading online.” With a developing vaccine and no plans for schools to shut down, it appears that mpox will not pose a threat to Berkley Schools.