Grindr issues monkeypox warning and urges queer men to watch out for rashes and lesions
Grindr sent out a monkeypox alert to European users. (Grindr)
Grindr has sent out a monkeypox alert to European users as the virus appears to be more prevalent in networks of gay and bisexual men.
The virus has so far been detected in 21 countries outside of West and Central Africa, where it is usually found.
Most of the 237 confirmed cases are located in Europe, although people have also contracted the virus in the US, Canada, Australia and the UAE. At the time of writing, 71 of these cases having been found in the UK.
Although not sexually transmitted, monkeypox can be passed from person to person through close and prolonged human contact, and communities of queer men in Europe appear to be disproportionately affected.
Grindr, the world’s largest dating app for men who have sex with men, has partnered with health agencies in the UK and EU and sent out an alert to users on Tuesday (24 May).
Grindr addressed the “small but ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and the UK among gay and bi men”, and advised: “Don’t panic. As of now, there are very few cases of monkeypox, but knowing this information could help prevent you from getting or spreading the virus.
“Monkeypox is spread through close contact, including through respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing), skin-to-skin contact, or sharing things like bedding or towels.
“If you or any recent partners (from the last 21 days) have unusual sores or a rash, go see a healthcare provider, either at a clinic or your primary care doctor. Remind your provider that monkeypox is circulating.”
The Grindr monkeypox notification is here 🐒 https://t.co/oGB9oYHOFb
— Pavel Velkovsky (@Pvelkovsky) May 25, 2022
According to the Daily Mail, Grindr is also working with US health officials to send out a monkeypox alert to users in America.
Early symptoms of monkeypox are flu-like, including fever, headaches, swellings, aching muscles, and exhaustion. Tell-tale rashes, lesions or spots may start to appear on the face, hands, and feet, before forming a scab which falls off.
