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Monkeypox: US And Europe On High Alert Over Rare Viral Disease

Health authorities in the United States and Europe are currently on high alert following the spread of monkeypox.

A rare viral infection, monkeypox was first reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 1970s. Since then, it has spread to the United States and Europe, provoking high alert among health authorities.

The United Kingdom was reportedly the first to confirm a case of monkeypox, reportedly through a man who had travelled from Nigeria. It has since detected more cases and is working with the WHO to determine the virus’s spread.

Yesterday, Wednesday, May 18, the US state of Massachusetts confirmed a case of monkeypox in a man who recently travelled from Canada. On the other hand, Portugal said it has 23 potential cases and is currently testing. Five of the patients are said to be in stable conditions.

Portugal appeared to have a breather, compared to Spain, as it’s identified only five cases of monkeypox so far.

It’s unclear how the infections must have been spreading, but health authorities suspect it may have been through sexual contact among gay men.

According to health authorities, monkeypox is similar to smallpox in humans and typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling in the lymph nodes. It also provokes a rash on the face and body.

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