Monkeypox Grows Up: First Child Cases in the US
What’s the News?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that two children— a toddler from California and an infant from abroad— have tested positive for monkeypox. These cases are separate, and in both, the kids are doing well and already receiving treatment.
How does it usually spread?
- Monkeypox causes flu‑like symptoms and itchy skin spots.
- It spreads mainly through close contact—think hugging, kissing, or simply sharing a living space.
- In the recent U.S. outbreak, most infections have been seen among men who have sex with men, but a handful of people outside that group have been affected.
Why is this a big deal?
Finding the virus in children is not shocking to experts, but it does highlight how easily monkeypox can jump from person to person.
According to CDC Deputy Director Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, “there is no evidence yet that we’re seeing the virus spread beyond the communities of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.”
In the U.S. so far, 99% of confirmed cases involve men in that demographic, with only a few women and transgender men reported.
Vaccination Roll‑out
White House Covid‑19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha filled us in on the vaccine status:
- 300,000 doses already delivered.
- 786,000 more from Denmark on the way.
- Enough to give a first dose to over half of eligible people in New York City and more than 70% in Washington, D.C.
Deadliness & Hospitalization
In Africa, the fatality rate for the current strain has hovered around 1%. In non‑endemic countries, the outbreak seems less lethal, but many patients still face intense pain that leads to hospital stays.
Is this a Public Health Emergency?
Jha indicated that the U.S. is still considering whether to declare a public health emergency. If so, it could unlock additional resources and support for the response.
