For years, the dating application Grindr has doled out sexual health tips to its more than 11 million users. Now, the app, which serves the gay, bisexual and transgender community, is using its platform to get the word out about monkeypox, a virus that has long been endemic in parts of Africa but has recently spread to countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Monkeypox is characterised by clusters of blister-like rashes, which health officials say has led to misdiagnosing the disease as common sexually transmitted infections. The virus also appears to be spreading in much the same way as STIs: through close, intimate contact. But repeated misdiagnoses could allow monkeypox to spread undetected — and would prevent those infected from getting the right treatment.
