New York has become the center of monkeypox in the United States: the infection in the city is spreading very quickly

New York has now become the epicenter of monkeypox in the country. As of July 6, 119 cases of the disease were registered here, reports New York Post.

Public health officials reported 605 cases across the US, of which nearly 20% were in New York City.

The number of cases in the city has increased by 50% since last week. Some blame this Pride month, which brought about 2 million tourists to New York.

Bay Area Pride-related outbreaks have already been reported in San Francisco. Clubs and concerts throughout Europe have also become breeding grounds for monkeypox.

This disease causes fever and flu-like symptoms. It is often accompanied by a rash all over the body that crusts and flakes over several weeks.

So far, no deaths from a preventable and treatable virus have been reported.

Experts have warned of the risks of approaching strangers during a monkeypox outbreak. New York purchased 1000 doses of smallpox vaccine, which is used to fight the monkeypox virus.

City health officials have increased their order to 6000 vaccines. However, the vaccination slots were filled within a few hours. New York Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan apologized during a press conference on July 7 for the failures in the introduction of the monkeypox vaccine.

On the subject: New Yorkers began to be vaccinated against monkeypox: there is not enough vaccine for everyone

However, the health department has not said a direct link between the spike in monkeypox cases and last month's Pride parties.

"Anyone can contract monkeypox and spread it," the city's health department's latest public directive says.

However, the current cases are mostly spread among gay and bisexual men. So this community is at risk of exposure.

The World Health Organization says monkeypox is not yet considered a serious threat.

Worldwide, there are now more than 3000 cases in more than 50 countries. For the first time, most infections (84%) occurred in Europe, and not in West and Central Africa.

“What makes the current outbreak worrisome is the rapid spread to new countries. And the risk of further transmission to vulnerable populations,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Testing for the virus is lagging behind the current trend. Therefore, experts fear that some cases of the disease go unnoticed before symptoms appear.