The Monkey Flu is here and it is off to a hot start as the WHO has now confirmed 80 cases of monkeypox with recent outbreaks being reported in nearly 11 countries. The outbreaks are being classified as “unusual” because the countries they’re coming up in are areas in which the virus is not endemic.

“WHO is working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease.”

The WHO said in a statement to the public.

Health officials in the EU have also confirmed dozens of cases. According to the German military, this is the largest outbreak of monkeypox ever. The United States has tallied at least one case and Canada sits with two confirmed. Once again, scientists have claimed this is “unusual” as the disease is typically found in Central and West African rainforests.

Smallpox and monkeypox are in the same family of diseases but monkeypox is not as severe according to the CDC. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 10 people can die who come into contact with the disease. The existing vaccine for smallpox is 85% effective at preventing monkeypox as well according to studies from the WHO and the CDC.

How is Monkey Flu Transmitted?

• Close contact with people, animals, or materials infected with the virus.

• It will enter through broken skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and even the respiratory tract.

• Respiratory droplets are said to be the leading cause of human-to-human transmission which this method would require very prolonged face-to-face contact.

How would you know if you had it?

The symptoms for monkeypox is that of the flu:

• Fever

• Headache

• Chills

• Exhaustion

• Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Muscle aches

• within one to three days an individual will develop a rash

“As monkeypox spreads through close contact, the response should focus on the people affected and their close contacts.”

The WHO said.

We must all remember that the United States experienced a monkeypox outbreak in 2003. During a said outbreak, there were nearly 70+ reported cases. So far in the United States this time around, the CDC has confirmed one case in Massachusetts earlier this week along with New York City investigating a possible case.