The rising number of monkeypox cases in the U.S. and Europe suggest the virus has already spread widely across communities, but it won't likely cause a major epidemic like Covid, Pfizer board member and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC on Friday.
It may be difficult to fully snub this out now that the community has spread. The former Food and Drug Administration commissioner said that he didn't think it would become a major epidemic.
The symptoms of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms and a rash on the body and face. He said this means many people may have been exposed to the virus.
The New York City Department of Health said Thursday it was investigating a possible case of the disease.
In the last few weeks, monkeypox has been spreading in several countries, leaving health officials scrambling to warn clinicians and the public.
Gottlieb said that the spread in the community is pretty wide since it has a long incubation period.
He said that the U.S. could just see a low level of spread since it may be difficult to deploy public health measures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a high incidence of the virus, with anywhere from five to 10,000 cases a year.
The concern is not a widespread epidemic at this point. There are cases popping up here and there.
He said the virus could still be dangerous. According to Gottlieb, the case fatality rate for the strain is anywhere from 1% to 4% percent.
The CDC urged clinicians to identify patients with rash illnesses. People suspected of having the virus should be isolated in a negative pressure room and staff should wear protective gear around them, according to the agency.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb is a member of the boards of Pfizer, Tempus, Aetion, and Illumina. He is a co-chair of the healthy sail panel.
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