Monkeypox: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that it was aware of over 700 global cases of monkeypox, including 21 in the United States, with examinations currently indicating that it is spreading within the nation, news agency AFP reported.
According to a new CDC analysis, sixteen of the first 17 cases were among males who had intercourse with men, and 14 were suspected to be travel-related. Furthermore, all patients are recovering or have recovered, and no cases have been fatal.
"There have also been some cases in the United States that we know are linked to known cases," Jennifer McQuiston, deputy director of the CDC's Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology was quoted by AFP in its report.
"We also have at least one case in the United States that does not have a travel link or know how they acquired their infection," McQuiston added.
Monkeypox is an uncommon illness that is similar to but less severe than smallpox, resulting in a spreading rash, fever, chills, and pains, among other symptoms.
Although most cases have been recorded in Western and Central Africa, instances have been reported in Europe since May, and the number of nations impacted has expanded since then.
Canada also reported 77 confirmed cases on Friday, virtually all of which were discovered in Quebec province, where immunizations had been provided.
Though its current spread may be connected to specific European events, monkeypox is not regarded to be a sexually transmitted illness, with close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkey pox lesions being the major risk factor.
A person is infectious until all of the sores heal and new skin forms.
Raj Panjabi, senior director of the White House's global health security and biodefense division, stated that 1,200 vaccinations and 100 treatment courses had been supplied to US states and were being distributed to sick people's close contacts.
There are now two licensed vaccines: ACAM2000 and JYNNEOS, both of which were created to combat smallpox.
Though smallpox has been eradicated, the vaccinations are kept in a strategic national reserve in case it is used as a biological weapon.
JYNNEOS is the more recent vaccination, with fewer adverse effects.
“We continue to have more than enough vaccine available,” Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response in the Department of Health and Human Service was quoted by AFP in its report.
"Anyone can get monkeypox and we are carefully monitoring for monkeypox that may be spreading in any population, including those who are not identifying as men who have sex with men," said McQuiston.
(With AFP Inputs)