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There have now been at least seven people nationwide with confirmed or presumed cases of the virus, which led to the federal government releasing vaccines from its stockpile to the most vulnerable Americans.
The one confirmed case, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in Massachusetts, with probable cases reported and being investigated in these five other states:
- New York;
- Washington;
- Utah;
- California;
- Florida.
The most recent suspected case was reported in California and most have been linked to overseas travel.
Symptoms of monkeypox include a rash that could be preceded by a prodrome including fever, lymphadenopathy, and often other non-specific symptoms such as malaise, headache, and muscle aches.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection, although antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial, officials noted.
“Based on the limited information available at this time, the risk to the public appears low,” according to the CDC. "Some people who may have symptoms of monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their healthcare provider for a risk assessment.”
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