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The World Health Organization (WHO) will meet on Thursday to discuss the outbreak of the monkeypox virus and determine if a global health emergency needs to be declared.
Thousands of cases have been reported in dozens of countries around the world, and this declaration means that the UN health agency considers the spread of the disease an “abnormal event” and is at risk of further infection.
WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak was “abnormal and worrisome.”
In Africa, where monkeypox is endemic in some countries, monkeypox has been sick for decades, with one version killing up to 10% of infected people.
Monkeypox in the United States: Where are the cases now?
However, outside of Africa, no deaths have been reported and scientists have not yet discovered a major genetic change in the virus.
In the United States, more than 150 cases of monkeypox and orthopoxvirus have now been identified, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of these cases, 40 are in California, 22 in New York, 19 in Illinois, and 16 in Florida.
London sewer samples contain poliovirus, officials say
but Most cases of new monkeypox It has been seen in gay and bisexual men, but experts warn that everyone is at potential risk.
People will usually be Infected with monkeypox virus Due to contact with infected animal or human skin lesions or body fluids, or with virus-contaminated substances.
Monkeypox associated with smallpox has mild symptoms.
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These symptoms include fever, chills, rash, and pain before the lesion develops.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.