On July 6, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced plans to hold a second meeting to discuss the growing number of monkeypox cases seen around the world. In a statement in early July, the WHO director-general said there had been over 6,000 cases in 58 different countries. While the monkeypox virus was listed as a public health concern at the previous meeting, it has yet to be elevated to a global health emergency.
The monkeypox virus is usually endemic to tropical regions of Central and West Africa. However, the current epicenter of the recent outbreak is in Europe. Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, and a skin rash or skin lesions. The virus is spread through close physical contact. Using clothing, towels, and other items that have come into contact with an infected person’s skin can also lead to infection.
