33. What to Know About Monkeypox

Contagious Conversations

This month, we're talking monkeypox: what is it, what CDC is doing to tackle the outbreak and what challenges face future disease responses.

Our guest expert is Jennifer McQuiston, DVM, the deputy director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology within the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. As a veterinarian, Dr. McQuiston specializes in outbreak investigation and research involving diseases that spread from animals to people. She believes that helping people understand how to prevent disease is her most important job, and has dedicated her career to turning science into easy-to-understand disease detection and prevention strategies to keep both people and animals healthy and active.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Dr. McQuiston talks about her role at CDC.

[2:33] What is monkeypox and how is it transmitted?

[3:56] What is CDC doing to address the monkeypox outbreak?

[5:21] Dr. McQuiston talks about her work with contact tracing and how the vaccination program started in the US.

[6:42] How is CDC dealing with the challenges of facing another disease outbreak with people experiencing COVID fatigue?

[8:11] Are there learnings from the COVID response that have helped with the monkeypox response?

[10:07] Dr. McQuiston talks about the stigma that certain populations are facing.

[12:41] Dr. McQuiston addresses the importance of partnerships in the monkeypox response.

[15:39] What are the biggest challenges ahead for the next disease outbreak response?

[17:19] Dr. McQuiston gives advice to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in public health.