As the conversation around monkeypox continues to evolve, understanding different perspectives is more important than ever. In this class, Dr. Granberg-Nill will provide a unique take on how monkeypox is being addressed by both the mainstream medical system and frontline doctors like herself.

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Monkeypox has gained attention in recent years due to new outbreaks and shifting narratives. In a recorded class, Dr. Dana Granberg-Nill, a seasoned physician and medical director at AFLDS, delves into the differences between a mainstream medical (MIC) approach and a frontline doctor perspective on monkeypox. Below is a breakdown of her key insights.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a virus related to smallpox, first identified in 1958 in captive monkeys. It wasn’t officially named until 1970. Historically, it was considered a mild disease, but recent variants have raised concerns about increased severity.

In October 2023, an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to the identification of a distinct variant. These variants are categorized into clades (e.g., 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B), with earlier versions mostly confined to West Africa and the DRC. The recent changes in symptom severity and spread have sparked global discussions about the virus.

Symptoms and Transmission

Monkeypox symptoms resemble those of other viral infections and include:

• Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion, muscle aches, backache, headache
• Respiratory symptoms like cough and sneezing
• A distinctive rash that progresses through stages before healing

The virus spreads through direct contact with lesions, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets. It has an incubation period of 3 to 17 days, and individuals remain contagious until the rash completely heals.

The WHO’s Renaming Effort

In November 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended renaming monkeypox to "mpox" due to concerns over "racist and stigmatizing language." While the term "monkeypox" remains in medical records, it is gradually being phased out. The WHO’s involvement in disease naming reflects broader efforts to reshape public perception.

Is Monkeypox Truly a Public Health Emergency?

Dr. Granberg-Nill argues that the declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) is part of a broader pattern seen with COVID-19 and other outbreaks. She points out that many of the reported cases come from the DRC, yet funding and vaccine rollouts are prioritized over simpler public health measures.

A closer look at WHO data shows a peak in cases in 2022, followed by a decline. Jessica Rose, an independent researcher, highlighted that despite declarations of emergency, the actual risk of death from monkeypox remains extremely low—around one in five billion.

Diagnosis and Testing Concerns

Monkeypox diagnosis relies on PCR testing, which has been controversial since COVID-19. The test amplifies DNA to detect the virus, but as Dr. Granberg-Nill explains, the number of amplification cycles can be adjusted to increase or decrease positive cases. This raises concerns about the accuracy of reported case numbers.

Treatment and Prevention

Prevention strategies include avoiding direct contact with lesions and reducing high-risk behaviors. In the U.S., 96-98% of monkeypox cases were among gay and bisexual men, with many also having other sexually transmitted infections or HIV.

Currently, there are two vaccines for monkeypox:

1. ACAM2000 – A smallpox vaccine being repurposed under an expanded access investigational program. It carries risks of myocarditis and other adverse effects.
2. JYNNEOS – The preferred vaccine for monkeypox, but with limited data on its effectiveness and potential risks. Notably, the CDC states that it lacks conclusive data on whether these vaccines effectively prevent the current outbreak.

The AFLDS and other frontline doctors emphasize boosting overall immune health, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions, and making informed personal choices.

Questioning Public Health Narratives

Dr. Granberg-Nill encourages a critical look at public health messaging. She highlights how emergency declarations often coincide with funding allocations and vaccine rollouts. She also points out the historical use of fear-based tactics, including exaggerated death predictions and coercive vaccine policies.

AFLDS guidelines recommend:

• Avoiding unnecessary quarantine measures, as monkeypox is not primarily spread through casual respiratory exposure.
• Ensuring that medical workers are not pressured into receiving vaccines with unclear efficacy and safety profiles.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Granberg-Nill’s presentation underscores the importance of independent thinking in public health. Rather than reacting to fear-driven narratives, she encourages individuals to evaluate data critically, question authority when necessary, and focus on maintaining strong immune health through natural means.

The conversation around monkeypox reflects larger issues within global health governance, medical censorship, and vaccine policies. As with COVID-19, staying informed and discerning about public health recommendations is crucial for making the best choices for individual and community well-being.