Health and Human Services News

What you should know about monkeypox

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Over the last few months, news about the increase in monkeypox cases has spread around the world. Few people understand that it has been around for a long time.

“Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 with a group of research monkeys, which is why they call it monkeypox,” said Robert Niezgoda, visiting assistant professor of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University.

“The first human case was recorded in 1970 with cases periodically after that.”

Monkeypox is considered a DNA virus and comes from the orthopox virus family. That’s the same virus family that causes smallpox.

Considered a zoonotic disease, monkeypox can be transmitted from animal to human and vice versa. Humans can spread the disease through direct contact.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are currently 19,962 confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.S., and currently 55 cases in Missouri.

Effects of monkeypox

Though very similar to smallpox, monkeypox is said to cause less severe symptoms.

“There are different strains of monkeypox, and the strain circulating is on the milder side,” Niezgoda said. “In terms of case fatality rate, it is on the low end which is a good sign.”

Most people first identify monkeypox by the rash it causes all over the body.

Other symptoms of monkeypox include:

    • Fever.
    • Chills.
    • Swollen lymph nodes.
    • Exhaustion
    • Muscle aches and backaches.

Mitigating the illness

“In May of 2020, the CDC launched an emergency response to monkeypox,” Niezgoda said.

“This includes educating the public, expanding laboratory testing and outlining prevention strategies.”

Currently, no treatments exist specifically for monkeypox. Since monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may prevent and treat monkeypox infections.

The CDC also purchased a large amount of the monkeypox vaccine for those who may be worried about contracting the virus.

If you think you may have been exposed to the monkeypox virus, call your doctor and local health department.

Registered dietitian receives MOCAN award

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The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition recently gave an award to Dr. Daniela Novotny, a registered dietitian and senior instructor in the department of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University. This award honors a Missouri health professional who finds innovative ways to help Missourians improve nutrition and physical activity for better overall health.

Novotny created a Teaching Kitchen (TK) program for MSU employees and their families. It took place in summer 2021. The program emphasized improving behaviors that affect physical and psychological health through quality health education; the development of new skills; a supportive and safe environment; and exposure to horticulture opportunities in the local community.

Getting students involved

During the program, Novotny created and led education sessions based upon health behavior theory that focused on building nutrition knowledge and encouraging general health principles. These sessions were paired with weekly cooking classes facilitated by MSU dietetics students to increase practical skills and cooking confidence. Novotny provided guidance and mentorship to the students, which allowed them to gain experiences in nutrition education and health promotion.

Additionally, the program consisted of field trips to community sites: a vegetable garden, an urban farm, a farmer’s market tour and a food pantry. Finally, woven throughout the program were activities to emphasize social connectedness, which is associated with improved health outcomes and longevity.

“In my many years of serving as a registered dietitian, this program is at the top of my lists of successes as it allowed me to co-create an experience that addressed social, community and environmental factors related to healthy lifestyles,” Novotny said.

“We can say all day long ‘eat healthier foods and be active,’ but education alone will not bring about change. Pairing educational programs with hands-on activities that promote confidence and self-efficacy with new behaviors has a much better possible outcome.”

Novotny added that the best part about creating the program was working with her students.

“I had an amazing group of students, led by Stephanie Urich, who took on the cooking classes with enthusiasm and creativity. This was 100% a team effort, and without our students volunteering their time and effort, there would be no program. I’m honored for this award, but the true gift for me was being able to share this experience with some amazing students.”

Program outcomes

Data from the program suggested the TK led to improved health behaviors: participants reported increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; making more meals from basic ingredients; and placing a greater emphasis on eating at home. Cooking self-efficacy, comfort in the kitchen and general well-being were also improved among participants.

Furthermore, feedback suggested that the group camaraderie and support were essential for the integration of new behaviors. By taking the initiative to implement comprehensive wellness programming, Novotny provided an environment for laughter and learning—and the encouragement to prioritize health goals amid the pandemic.

Educating through experience

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When the weather gets colder and the leaves change colors, it can only mean one thing: fall sports have arrived.  

While watching sports in the Springfield community, you may be able to spot MSU athletic training (AT) students getting hands-on clinical experience. 

In addition to their instructional course work, students must complete certain clinical experiences to become nationally certified athletic trainers. 

“We currently have students going to high school and college clinics, as well as other experiences, depending on their professional interests,” said Dr. Tona Hetzler, head of the public health and sports medicine department.  

Other clinical experiences include tactical athletic training, performing arts training, physician offices and rehabilitation clinics. 

“These different clinics allow our students to gain experience in different aspects of athletic training that they may not know exist,” said Dr. Allan Liggett clinical associate professor athletic training. 

Types of clinical experience 

MSU offers  AT students two types of clinical experiences: immersive and integrated. 

The three immersive clinical experience requires students to complete eight weeks fully immersed in a clinical setting. Students spend the entire workday getting hands-on training.  

The integrated clinical experience is for students who attend classes in the morning, then participate in a clinical setting in the afternoon.  

The amount of time MSU students spend in clinical settings allows them to stand out from other universities’ AT programs.  

“Our students are averaging 15-20 hours a week of clinical training over six semesters,” Hetzler said. “Our students are graduating with well over 1,500 hours of experience.” 

This program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Springfield community and embrace MSU’s mission of community engagement.  

Learn more about MSU Athletic Training

Why are southwest Missouri residents vaccine hesitant?

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To understand more about vaccine hesitancy in southwest Missouri, a group of Missouri State University public health students conducted interviews with residents as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s effort to raise vaccination rates.

Find out more about the effort in The Kansas City Star.