The number of monkeypox virus infections worldwide has risen to more than 700, including nearly 21 in the United States, according to U.S. health authorities.
U.S. health authorities on Friday reported 21 monkeypox cases in the country, while health authorities fear the disease could spread locally, AFP reported.
According to AGENCE France-Presse, of the cases recorded in the United States, 20 were detected in 11 states, while the 21st was detected and occurred abroad.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of monkeypox infections in Americans are related to overseas travel, but some are related to other known cases in the United States.
For one of the infected, the source of the infection has not yet been determined.
"There may be a local outbreak," warned Jennifer McWeston, who is in charge of the CDC's response to monkeypox.
"We still believe that the risk to public health is minimal," McWeston said.
So far, no deaths in connection with monkeypox have been recorded either in the United States or abroad, McQuiston said.
According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is a rare animal-origin viral disease, transmitted from animal to human, with symptoms of human infection similar to those of people with smallpox, but less severe.
Monkeypox transmission requires close and long contact between two people, and is transmitted especially through saliva or skin ulcers.
Two vaccines against monkeypox are available that can be used, 100 million doses are available in the United States and antiviral treatment is available.
"We have enough vaccines to deal with the current outbreak," said U.S. Department of Health official Don O'Connell.