With monkeypox, stigma challenges public health response

As cases rise, so does stigma around the disease and who can catch it  

View in Browser | Listen Good morning, Temperatures trend upward Wednesday to the mid-80s. Get the latest on Updraft. With monkeypox, stigma challenges public health response 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." What else we're watching: Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to all the manure at the Minnesota State Fair? Hundreds of farm animals are shown every year at the Minnesota State Fair — and where you find farm animals, you know you're going to find something else. Manure. Lots and lots of manure. Where does it all go?  Gilbert de la O, icon of St. Paul's Latino community, dies at 77. The 77-year-old Latino elder achieved milestones during his years of service. He was the first Latino to serve on the St. Paul School Board. He helped found the West Side Boosters and was deeply involved with many community organizations. FDA expected to authorize new omicron-specific COVID boosters this week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week is expected to authorize the first updated versions of the COVID-19 boosters since the pandemic began. The new shots are reformulated versions of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. They're known as "bivalent" vaccines because they are designed to protect against the original strain and the highly contagious omicron variant. Biden blasts 'MAGA Republicans,' 'sickening' attacks on FBI. In remarks initially billed as a crime-prevention speech, Biden seized on comments from allies of former President Donald Trump who have called for stripping funding from the FBI since it executed a search warrant at Trump's Florida residence. Biden's remarks were the first substantive defense he has made of the FBI since the Aug. 8 search at Mar-a-Lago,  which triggered not just withering criticism of the agency but threats of violence against its employees. —  Sam Stroozas, MPR News Help us serve you better. Take our survey.We want to hear from you! This survey should take approximately 10 minutes, and you will be entered to win one of 10 $50 Amazon gift cards. Thank you for helping us serve you better. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe today! SPONSOR   Connect With Us MPRnews.org MPRnews on iOS MPRnews on Android Podcasts from MPR News Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe today. Preference Center ❘ Unsubscribe You received this email because you subscribed or it was sent to you by a friend. This email was sent by: Minnesota Public Radio 480 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN, 55101