A flight attendant who is quarantining in Florida claims he caught monkeypox from a dirty hotel or airplane, not through sexual or other intimate relations with another person. It’s a concerning allegation as monkeypox cases explode in the United States.
Flight Attendant With Monkeypox Speculates About How He Got It
The flight attendant, who goes by Josh Jones on TikTok, flies for a U.S. airline (which he does not name) and developed skin lesions during a work trip in Florida. He visited the emergency room, was tested, and the testing confirmed that he had monkeypox, though the spread of lesions over his body made that clear before the results even arrived.
@ava__monet Monkey pox as a working flight attendant #monkeypox #flightattendant #hotel #fyp #letsgoinsane ♬ original sound – Ava Monet Josh Jones
Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, he is quarantining for three weeks in a Ft. Lauderdale hotel. His company is paying for his hotel and giving him $50/day in GrubHub credit. Jones complains of headaches and fears the scabs might scar when falling off, but after six days is sleeping well once again. He is not in any danger of death.
The CDC has warned that monkeypox is primarily spread via men having sex with men in the USA. However Jones, who is gay, denies that is how he contacted monkeypox. Answering question from viewers, he asserted:
“No, I have been in contact with someone or had sex or whatever like you guys think because flight attendants are apparently horrors. I know I’ve gotten it on the plane or at a dirty hotel or another crew member may have had it or come into contact with me.”
The CDC states that monkeypox can spread through direct contact or by touching objects, including fabrics and surfaces, used by someone who is infected.
@ava__monet Day 6 with monkey pox #flightattendant #monkeypox #fyp ♬ original sound – Ava Monet Josh Jones
Folks, I’m not trying to fear monger at all. But this is a pretty explosive allegation as we seek to learn more about this virus. It’s one thing for a virus to be spread via sexual contact or even coming into close contact with a symptomatic person (with visible lesions), but it’s quite a concern that this flight attendant claims he was in contact with no one who was visibly infected nor did he copulate recently.
As with COVID-19, there reaches a point in which we just must live our lives, but I do hope this virus does not become so prevalent that we start second-guessing any sort of human to human contact (like a hug or handshake) or become paranoid about sitting down on an airplane or in a restaurant.
CONCLUSION
A flight attendant with monkeypox blames a dirty hotel room or aircraft for catching the virus. He’s now quarantining for three weeks and serves as another datapoint as we seek to learn more about monkeypox.
What are the odds that the guy who got it was also gay? Pretty low right.
No way……he’s as straight as a three dollar bill.
He said in the video he is gay. Not sure why that is an issue up for debate.
The fact of the matter is that it is extremely rare for pox viruses to spread via contact with materials.
While it is not impossible, it is not common and the higher likelihood is the FA contracted it via sexual relations.
The guy can say whatever he wants, just as I can say whatever I want, but that does not mean he is telling the truth.
Monkeypox is the sort of virus where contact tracing makes sense and would better narrow down how the FA in question or anyone else caught the virus.
The fact of the matter he is homosexual the group group at highest risk for contracting the virus.
If it were a virus mainly spread via heterosexual relations than I would be suspicious if the guy was a “Chad” with a super hot wife
“Folks, I’m not trying to fear monger at all. But this is a pretty explosive allegation…”
Sir, may I ask how it is an explosive allegation to claim that a virus was spread in a way that public health officials have already established?
Homophobia lives on this website!
Yes, and? Seems justified.
Only to gross homophobes like you.
Looks like someone’s got their frilly panties in a bunch.
Yay, another homophobe!
And you believe this guy?
I think he’s lying. I think he got it from being a butt pirate.
Aw, good to see homophobic trash doesn’t change.
Obviously, the way the previous commenter wrote it is absolutely wrong and reprehensible.
With that said, the guy is homosexual, the group at highest risk for contracting the virus. Not the exclusive group, but the highest risk group.
Close friends of mine are a married homosexual couple and they are steering clear of homosexual themed social activities for time being because they don’t want to come in contact with the virus.
There is a difference between homophobia (fear or hate of a group) and understanding a certain group is at higher risk from something than another group.
And Jan is clearly on the side of homophobia.
And you’re a racist who said that I wasn’t a black man who votes democrat. There’s no difference between you or Jan to me and a lot of people here
Because you aren’t. You adopted an identity online to mask your racist homophobic views.
LMFAO I’m homophobic and I’m not black? I said you were the same as Jan because Jan is homophobic and you’re a racist, you clown. Get outta here lmfao. Just because I’m black and also a dem doesn’t mean you can say that I’m not black or a dem you racist.
Aaron, you don’t realize how racist you sound
“LMFAO I’m homophobic and I’m not black? I said you were the same as Jan because Jan is homophobic and you’re a racist, you clown. Get outta here lmfao. Just because I’m black and also a dem doesn’t mean you can say that I’m not black or a dem you racist.”
Nah, not racist. Calling out people for being fake online doesn’t make someone a racist.
You and “Antjuan” can get together and discuss it amongst yourself.
Why do you permit posts like this Mr. Klimt!???
Your comment is offensive and hurtful. Why was it necessary to use derogatory labels? Shame on you.
Sorry. I’ll be more mindful next time! But I am irritated about this entire situation. This should have been a completely controllable disease.
I thought Covid had already pretty much done away with shaking hands – at least that’s been my experience so far. And that’s fine with me.
I think handshakes/hugs are mostly back, at least in the south. But it’s also less socially awkward if you refuse to do so, which is fine by me also.
Another reason to stay out of the south. What a stupid thing a handshake is. Who wants to hold someone’s either sweaty or clammy hand and shake it up and down.
While I prefer the Japanese bow, handshaking is hardly confined to the US South.
That was a response to the idea that handshaking is back in the south. I’m mostly above the Mason Dixon line and I’ve probably shaken hands about 5 times in the last 2 years, and not because I’m not meeting people in a business setting.
He works for Spirit, so who knows. LoL
How to say this gently….look at his pics. 100% he got it like everyone else. Just saying…
“The CDC has warned that monkeypox is primarily spread via men having sex with men.” You are incorrectly paraphrasing the CDC. The current outbreak in the USA is primarily spread through men having sex with men, but the disease itself on the whole, including outbreaks African countries, is not spread that way. Just skin to skin contact. I would think that someone who has respect for the judiciary would have precise language.
What about a woman who has sex with many men? WELL.
I’d guess this depends on your definition of a woman. I’m not a biologist, so I can’t answer that.
You’ve probably also never ever had sex with a women as well, so there is that.
@Aaron
You’re at high risk for Monkeypox. I’m not.
Incels like you probably are safe.
Correct, the vector is skin to skin contact, not sexual activity.
I think the pendulum is about to swing back. Either now or in a few months. Most liberals are getting fed up with the crime wave. We want the criminal justice to be more rehabilitative for offenders but they seem to be take the gentleness as freedom to do whatever. I am ready for cops to start being more violent with thugs. Similarly for gays and LGBTQ+, they have won a lot of rights in the last few years, but their behavior is adding costs on the rest of us that is not reasonable. I am about ready to lose my patience with them. They are theDemocrats 1%. Drama queens, sucking up all the oxygen and political capital.
When biden/ Democrats stopped pandering to LGBTQ+ we got legislation passed.
Wow, seems that freedom of speech is still an option for the ignorant trash of America.
This is one of the very few websites that still hse FREEDOM OF SPEECH. And I/ we do appreciate the fact that this website has the option of comments. But Matthew Klint has to monitor it all… Thanks, Matthew.
(Now I wish “The Points Guy” would have a comments section).
Yes, with many using FOS as a cloak/shield for their hate speech…
@Debit Winter is coming – good thing your leader will be in jail by then. Only time will tell who is on the right side of history.
@Debit is a left wing troll. If you ever been on this website the past 6 months, he would bash trump, praise the CCP, talk about getting rid of the population for a greener earth, and then cap it off with on anti-Semitic rants. The only good thing was that @Debit would argue for vaccinations.
Also, can we not talk about politics for once on this website? I just want to talk about travel, not politics.
What made you so angry and hateful in life? Like seriously. Make your life better by lifting yourself up… not putting down others. The hate has to stop. Life’s too damn short.
And Jussie was attacked coming back from a Subway at 2AM by a couple white guys walking around Chicago yelling this is MAGA country while carrying a noose.
As far as I know, Monkeypox is very contagious. Spread by surface contact and even spread by airborne droplets. So if you have someone coughing in a closed airplane cabin, don’t depend on the “air filtration system” on the airplane. WEAR YOUR MASK. And DISINFECT YOUR HANDS up to the elbow. Trust me, I’m a nurse. LOL. (True).
Since the owner of this blood allows all
These homophobic comments, I WIILL
NEVER be visiting this website and again as well as encouraging others to BOTCOTT this site!!!!!
Boycott. The word is boycott. And you’re free to respond to any of the deplorable comments. The answer to speech is more speech.
Easy for you to say Matt. For those of us who have had language like ‘butt pirates’ hurled at us for our whole lives, often the answer to abusive speech is to walk away. We come here for info on aviation, not to scroll through unhinged comments claiming we’re filthy disease vectors, like it’s the 80s all over again. The reality is you rely on clicks to make money, and comments moderation would take time/resources, we get it. Just don’t dress that up as freedom fighting.
I don’t deny that I rely on clicks for money, but that is not related to my comment moderation policy. Bill Maher has greatly influenced my approach to free speech and I sincerely believe this way is the best way – it is not a financial decision.
And I’ll join you in condemning Jan’s comment. It’s not constructive, not kind, and wholly lacking in any value. But I don’t believe the answer is to censor the comment.
I appreciate that stand, and for the record in general I agree with Maher, Sam Harris and others with that view. But even Maher curates his guests. He’s not going to let just any moron just come on his show and anonymously blast unhinged abuse. Keeping your site on topic and removing abusive language is not the same as silencing these guys or denying anyone their right to freedom of speech. They can go scream butt pirate on the street if they want (and believe me, they do) but your readers come here for news. I’ve got pretty thick skin, and you can do what you like with your site, but to be honest I see that stuff left up and it makes me think less of your brand and credibility.
+1 to everything Jack said.
Freedom of speech is great. However, one can say allowing hateful comments also normalizes hate speech.
Hello Matthew,
I certainly agree with you that free speech should be protected. As with any ideal, however, I believe there are sensible – and perhaps even necessary – limits. For example, would you leave a sexually explicit comment regarding children on your discussion board? I think slurs targeting specific groups for their differing identities also easily qualify among a handful of things that truly do not deserve protection – I’m not even sure if such things qualify as “speech.” As with almost every deservedly treasured ideal, I do not believe free speech must be an all or none kind of proposition. I very much hope that you will kindly give it further consideration. Thank you.
Who knows how he really got it as nobody here was with him at all times, but I do find it interesting that nobody is willing to consider that maybe this is pretty contagious and could be disruptive to our lives, at least for those that don’t want to walk around with disgusting lesions all over their bodies. I’m not too concerned about it at the moment, but would it be the worst thing if hotels did a better job with cleaning the beds, especially the bedspreads?
Snowflakism at its highest level: “ The World Health Organization is holding an open forum to rename the disease monkeypox, after some critics raised concerns the name could be derogatory or have racist connotations” Critics are probably hidden in their basements waiting for a check from the Government.
You come off as a pretty big snowflake yourself.
@I am not hiding in my basement. You are the symbol of a lost generation.
I am not hiding in my basement either. We are of the same generation. It’s just that unlike you, I am not pro-plague and act responsibly when I go out, unlike you, who comes across as very selfish.
It wasn’t so long ago that various groups were denouncing anyone who suggested that monkeypox had a higher incidence among gay men as being ‘homophobic’. We are all better off understanding how it is transmitted in general, politics should take a backseat.
I will be laughing when everyone here who claims that it’s only certain activities giving you Monkeypox actually end up catching it from traveling or else.
This disease is not a gay disease and I have first hand knowledge of straight people catching it from traveling and going to restaurants.
Details please? Your last sentence is a very serious statement. Please, let’s put forward all the data we have.
1 straight couple (monogamous relationship) friend of mine who traveled to Spain from NYC got rash on their arms during their trip and were not tested in the ER in NYC after their trip because they’re not gay. The husband’s rash became so bad that another ER doctor was able to convince the health dept to get him tested and he was positive for MP. Then the wife got tested, who was also positive.
Two children who got the disease.
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/22/health/monkeypox-children-vaccine/index.html
I understand the need for clickbate, but the title could be more respectful than that.
He did nothing wrong by trying to raise awareness and should be applauded for that, not have an article with a title implying that he’s dishonest.
I don’t imply that at all and I take him at his word. He brought it up, not me. Watch second video.
A very irresponsible post…
…should have left this one alone.
Explain?
Yes, why, GetReal?
Matthew, I love your work. But as a gay guy, this article is just shitty. You seem to suggest he’s lying and that the existing info says monkeypox only happens from sex. Monkeypox has nothing to do with sex. It’s transmitted by skin to skin contact, “Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox” and “Contact with respiratory secretions.” This is already established by the CDC. Literally quoted from their website. Maybe better to just write an article about the fact that it can be transmitted by bedding – instead of saying “not copulation.” It’s offensive.
Thanks for your comment, Max. Look, I take this guy at his word. It’s a very concerning story to me. I chose the title I did because that’s what he says if you watch the second video…he addresses the issue head-on. You may think there is some skepticism or even just a selfish embrace of clickbait, but it’s not true – I’m so glad this guy has come forward to share his story. My concern is growing over this virus. I still have a chickenpox scar on my face. I don’t want this stupid thing either. And if it is spread on airplanes…well that’s a much bigger concern to me than COVID-19.
Matthew, you take him at his word, but it totally doesn’t jive with the incubation period of monkeypox- day 2 of his work trip and he had symptoms? Doesn’t work that way.
Agree 100% Max
Would that be the same CDC that said if you get the vaccine you won’t get covid? So monkeypox has NOTHING to do with sex and it just falls out of the sky and gets you right? 98% of the people have what in common?….oh just ignore that, new science doesn’t deal with facts, it deals with political correctness and feelings. Let me guess, you were saying in the 80’s that HIV and AIDS have absolutely nothing to do with sex too……..its all acquired from blood transfusions.
Copulation. Who says that?
Google doesn’t like the word “sex” in headlines.
Poorly written statement .. “The CDC has warned that monkeypox is primarily spread via men having sex with men in the USA. ” .
How about …”The CDC has warned that in the United States, the majority of the current spread is men having sex with men”
The placement of “In the USA” dramatically impacts meaning.
It’s funny that politicians shut down an entire world economy for 2 years over the covids, people couldn’t attend Independence, Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, visit dying relatives, or get a haircut…
But haven’t even hinted at closing gay gatherings, gay bars, gay saunas and bath houses, gay pride parades and celebrations, or even recommended that perhaps gay shouldn’t be whores with 10 or more partners and should maybe practice safe sex if they can’t control themselves because they don’t want to sound “discriminatory and stigmatizing”.
If you’re not a normal, mentally stable individual, please remember – Politicians hate you.
You must be related to Jan.
@Kevin
Don’t forget rioting……that made you immune to covid.
Not buying it.
This guy is as queer as a three dollar bill. No way he didn’t get it from a hookup.
When gays spread HIV around in the 80s there were plenty who claimed immaculate infection.
So since he is gay, which he openly stated, he must have gotten it from a hookup? Because all of us gays do nothing but hookup, have orgies and do drugs? Such an ignorant comment and I don’t understand why Matthew let’s these comments stay up. Homophonic is no different than racism or misogyny and should not be tolerated.
Since the FA indicated it is possible he caught the disease during flight is the Airline obligated to contact all passengers that flew with the gentleman on his last two or three flights as well as the respective airline employees.
Also should the hotel management be contacted where the FA indicated that the bed linen was not clean. Maybe the hotel turns over rooms given to flight attendants without changing bed linens and all towels.
Very disappointing to see this sensationalist headline and article. He said he got symptoms on the second day of his work trip. From the CDC: ” The incubation period is 3-17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine”. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/clinical-recognition.html
ZERO chance he got it from the plane and the very next day had symptoms.
According to the Kaiser family foundation, 99% of cases are in men, with 94% reporting intimate contact. Seems unlikely to be floating around an airplane as a respiratory virus would. We would have a lot more cases amongst non gays, if that were a common mode of transmission. It’s possible, but highly doubtful.
Update
Joan, on her TikTok page indicated she was negative, so we are just left with the guy trying to tell us he got it in some way outside of intimate contact.