World Health Organization confirms 80 cases of monkeypox with outbreaks in 11 countries

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak.

According to a statement Friday from the global health agency, the World Health Organization has confirmed about 80 cases of monkeypox with recent outbreaks reported in 11 countries.

In countries where the virus is not endemic, the outbreaks are unusual. The global health agency said that more cases will likely be reported in the coming days.

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

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that is in the same family as smallpox. Monkeypox is less severe than smallpox. The virus can be spread by close contact with people or animals. The WHO says that people who have the virus are more at risk than health-care workers, household members and sexual partners.

The WHO said that the response should focus on the people affected and their close contacts.

The monkeypox case in Massachusetts was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The person traveled to Canada using private transportation. The New York City health department is investigating a possible case of monkeypox.

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