The CDC has been reporting on an outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPX or MPV) in the United States. There have been cases in all 50 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico. As of August 29, 18,101 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with MPV. MPV has now been diagnosed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The CDC reports that gay/bisexual men between ages 21 and 45 have the highest risk of getting MPV, with the largest number of cases among men ages 31-35.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents. (CDC.gov)
For up-to-date information about MPX/MPV please refer to these two links which are providing current data and resources.