Monkeypox likely to be continuing threat in US for next few years, says CDC official

The spread of monkeypox is slowing in the U.S., but the virus is so widespread that full elimination is unlikely, the CDC said, noting it will continue to be a threat for the next few years.

That conclusion was contained in a recent CDC report — and on Friday, Marc Lipsitch, director of science at the agency’s disease-forecasting center, echoed it. The average number of daily cases being reported in the U.S. — fewer than 150 — is about a third of what was reported in mid-summer. More than 97% of the U.S. cases are men, the AP noted.  Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes and a rash typically with blisters that crust. Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent on Twitter at @maurmack.

Lipsitch hesitated to say that monkeypox is permanently here to stay, but he said it stands to be a continuing threat for the next few years, the AP noted.