The number of monkeypox cases in the US and Europe continues to rise, with over 1,000 cases reported in 31 countries as of June 6. The majority of cases have been reported in Europe, with the UK having the most cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the outbreak.
Monkeypox is a rare but serious viral illness that is related to smallpox. It is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated materials. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, respiratory symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
The current outbreak of monkeypox is the largest ever recorded outside of Africa. The WHO has said that the outbreak is “unusual” and “concerning.” The agency is working to understand the cause of the outbreak and how it is spreading.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but most people recover on their own within a few weeks. The WHO is recommending that people who are at risk of exposure to monkeypox get vaccinated. The vaccine is effective in preventing monkeypox, and it can also be used to treat people who have been exposed to the virus.
The WHO is also urging people to take steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing their hands often, and covering their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
The outbreak of monkeypox is a concerning development, but it is important to note that the virus is not as transmissible as COVID-19. The WHO has said that the risk of monkeypox to the general public is low. However, the agency is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to seek medical attention if they are concerned.
Here are some additional details about the monkeypox outbreak:
- The first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak was reported in the UK on May 7.
- As of June 6, there have been over 1,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in 31 countries.
- The majority of cases have been reported in Europe, with the UK having the most cases.
- The WHO has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the outbreak.
- There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but most people recover on their own within a few weeks.
- The WHO is recommending that people who are at risk of exposure to monkeypox get vaccinated.
- The WHO is also urging people to take steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing their hands often, and covering their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
