The WHO said the recent monkeypox outbreaks are unusual because they are occurring in countries where the virus is not endemic.
Highlights
- About 80 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 11 countries, the WHO says.
- The U.S.
- has confirmed at least one case, and Canada has confirmed two.
- Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox but is not as severe.
- The disease is usually found in Central and West African rainforests where animals that carry the virus live.
- The smallpox vaccine is 85% effective at preventing monkeypox, according to the WHO and the CDC.