The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States has confirmed twelve cases of monkeypox in the country, which are spread over eight states.
The first known case was an adult male from Massachusetts who had recently been in Canada and was confirmed by the CDC on May 18.
Then cases have been confirmed in Florida (two), Colorado (two), California (two), and Utah (two), plus one in Washington state, another in New York, and another in Virginia.
Symptoms of monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of the now eradicated smallpox – fever, headache, muscle, backache, chills, and exhaustion – although they are somewhat milder and are often accompanied by swollen glands and a rash that spreads from the face to other parts of the body. Mainly hands and feet.
CDC is currently working with state and local health officials to identify people who may have been in contact with the 12 who have tested positive for monkeypox.
The U.S. public health agency urges people with symptoms similar to this disease, for which there is a vaccine, to contact medical centers.
This recommendation is especially for those who have been in the last month in areas of the world where cases have been detected, if they have been near someone sick with monkeypox or if they are men who have sex with other men.