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CDC: Monkeypox cases appear milder in U.S.

Emergency Management Alert, June 25, 2003

Monkeypox cases in the United States seem to be milder than those in central Africa, but federal health officials don't know why, the Associated Press reports.

In Africa, monkeypox victims have had more pronounced symptoms of the virus, which include rashes, chills, and fever, and there has been evidence of person-to-person transmission of the disease. In the U.S., transmission has been limited to contact with infected animals.

Africa reports a monkeypox mortality rate of 1% to 10%, but no one in the United States has died, although 12 people were hospitalized. Three new U.S. cases were confirmed June 19, one in Missouri and two in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has the highest number of cases, nine confirmed and 30 suspected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at least 87 people in six states have shown symptoms associated with monkeypox, which is similar but less severe than smallpox. Besides Wisconsin and Missouri, the other states with cases under investigation are Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kansas. Officials in Kentucky and Arizona have also reported suspected cases.

The CDC recommends smallpox vaccinations for anyone exposed to the virus.

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