Monkeypox cases are steadily declining, but might still affect some populations.
| Headlines for a healthier you | | | Claire Bugos, Staff Writer | | | | Monkeypox Cases Are Dropping. Here's Why Investment in Testing Still Matters |  | You may not have heard much about monkeypox lately. Cases have been steadily declining and the U.S. may even be able to bring the outbreak under control soon. But even as cases reach zero in some regions, other areas are still seeing high case rates, particularly among men of color. And there's always the possibility that the disease could rebound.
To keep ahead of future outbreaks and make testing easier for those with limited access to sexual health care, some scientists are pushing for investment in tests that can detect the disease through throat swabs and saliva collection. | | Know More | | So far, the only way to test for monkeypox is to swab the disease's telltale rashes or pustules. But these lesions may not pop up for days after the patient starts to experience other uncomfortable symptoms. Testing saliva, throat swabs, and anal swabs could help identify presymptomatic or asymptomatic cases. | | Feel Better | | Most monkeypox patients during this outbreak were also infected with another sexually transmitted disease. If testing for other sample types is proven effective, and if monkeypox continues to be of concern, experts say a monkeypox test may be worked into a standard STI panel. | | |  | What Else Should You Know | | | Spice Containers Are Probably the Dirtiest Items in Your Kitchen | | The spice containers hanging out in your cabinet could be host to Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Faucet handles, sponges, cutting boards, and even your phone might be full of germs. Food safety pros say to wash your hands regularly while cooking, clean your counters as you go, and stock your fridge properly. | | | | | | How Much Will Pfizer's COVID Vaccines Cost in 2023? | | Pfizer plans to charge $110-$130 for a COVID-19 shot in 2023 if Congress doesn't approve more funding for vaccinations. While insurance should cover the cost for most Americans, uninsured adults will likely have to pay out of pocket, which would exacerbate existing disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. | | | | |  | In Other News | | - The End of Cold Season As We Know It? Vox
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