What is monkeypox, the rare virus now confirmed in the U.S. and Europe?
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With the number of monkeypox cases in several nations on the rise, health authorities are expressing concern but also pointing out that the virus is far less transmissible than the coronavirus that upended the world.
There are now more than 70 confirmed cases in Europe, according to a data tracker compiled by a collective of global health researchers, with additional infections found in the United States, Canada and Australia. More than 50 suspected monkeypox cases are being examined globally but have not yet been confirmed.
Monkeypox, which can be passed to animals and humans, is usually found in Central and West Africa.
A case in Massachusetts is the first infection identified in the United States this year; New York City health officials said Thursday they are also monitoring a suspected infection.
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