The global outbreak of monkeypox is still ongoing, but the number of new cases has been declining in recent weeks. As of September 3, 2023, there have been a total of 89,581 confirmed cases and 53 deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The United States has the most cases, with 30,767, followed by the United Kingdom with 20,239.
The monkeypox virus is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact with the rash of an infected person or by close contact with infected body fluids. However, the current outbreak is being driven by sexual transmission, and most cases have been reported among men who have sex with men.
The symptoms of monkeypox can be similar to those of smallpox, but they are usually milder. The illness typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, respiratory symptoms, and fatigue. A rash may develop within 1-4 days of the onset of symptoms, and it often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash can be painful and can last for several weeks.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the illness is usually mild and most people recover on their own. There are vaccines available that can help prevent the disease, and the WHO is working to secure more doses of vaccine for countries affected by the outbreak.
The risk of monkeypox to the general public is low, but health officials are urging people to be aware of the symptoms and to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. These precautions include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing your hands frequently, and using condoms during sexual activity.
The WHO does not believe that the monkeypox outbreak will become a pandemic, but it is important to continue to monitor the situation closely.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI