More than 700 monkeypox cases globally, 21 in US: Reports

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Friday it was aware of more than 700 global cases of monkeypox, including 21 in the United States, with investigations now suggesting it is spreading inside the country.

All patients are in recovery 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, told reporters on a call.

READ MORE

Monkeypox outbreak in Europe 'largest ever' in region as cases cross 100; cause still unclear

Monkeypox in UAE: 10 ways the virus can infect a person

"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."

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is related to but less severe than smallpox, causing a rash that spreads, fever, chills, and aches, among other symptoms.

Generally confined to western and central Africa, cases have been reported in Europe since May and the number of countries affected has grown since.

JYNNEOS is the more modern of the two vaccines, with fewer side effects.

Canada also released new figures on Friday, counting 77 confirmed cases — almost all of them detected in Quebec province, where vaccines have been delivered.

A person is contagious until all the sores have scabbed and new skin is formed.

Raj Panjabi, senior director for the White House's global health security and biodefense division, added that 1,200 vaccines and 100 treatment courses had been delivered to US states, where they were offered to close contacts of those infected.

There are currently two authorized vaccines: ACAM2000 and JYNNEOS, which were originally developed against smallpox.

Though smallpox has been eliminated, the United States retains the vaccines in a strategic national reserve in case it is deployed as a biological weapon.

JYNNEOS is the more modern of the two vaccines, with fewer side 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 Services, told reporters.

Agence France-Presse