Monkeypox is spreading in North America through sexual activity, according to officials from the World Health Organization. The virus has been confirmed in at least 200 cases and could spread across at most a dozen other countries.

This outbreak quickly spread across Europe, North America and Asia over the course of the week. The disease is predicted to get worse as more doctors examine for symptoms and signs. The WHO reported two confirmed cases and one suspect case of monkeypox in Britain just 10 days ago. These are the first cases of the year, outside of Africa, where it has remained at low levels for the past 40 years.

“We’ve seen a few cases in Europe over the last five years, just in travelers, but this is the first time we’re seeing cases across many countries at the same time in people who have not traveled to the endemic regions in Africa,” Dr. Rosamund Lewis, who runs WHO’s smallpox research, said in a Q&A livestreamed on the organization’s social media channels.

European nations are proud to be a part of this. confirmed dozens of casesAccording to the German military, this is the worst monkeypox outbreak on continent. Canada confirmed five cases, with at least two confirmed in the United States. Belgium just introducedMonkeypox sufferers must be kept in quarantine for 21 days.

This weekend, the WHO held an emergency conference via videoconference to examine the virus and identify people most at-risk. Next week, the organization will organize a second worldwide meeting to discuss monkeypox. This is to better study the potential risks and the treatments that are available.

Although it isn’t a sexually transmitted disease, there are usually cases that spread via vaginal fluids. However, this latest outbreak appears to be affecting men who have sex. WHO officials stated that the virus can spread from one person to another.

Sexual contact can spread many diseases. “You can get a common cold or a cough through sexual contact. However, it does not mean it is a sexually transmitted infection,” Andy Seale who advises WHO regarding HIV/hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It is a virus. spread through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus. The virus enters the body via broken skin, respiratory tract, eyes, nose, mouth, and respiratory system. Although human-to–human transmission may also occur via respiratory droplets, this method is only possible if the droplets can travel more than 5 feet. according to the CDC.

CNBC’s Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in an interview that “this virus is very stable outside of the human host.” You can observe situations in which people are reluctant to wear clothing. This could lead to disruptions in places like New York City, where the virus is rapidly spreading.

As doctors and health professionals reevaluate patients with signs and symptoms, he said that he expects more cases to be confirmed in the U.S. over the next few weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified monkeypox as a form of smallpox, which is caused by a virus from the same family. It isn’t as serious. According to observations made in Africa, monkeypox could kill 1/10 people. according to the CDC.

Officials from WHO stated that the vaccine to protect against smallpox was about 85% effective at protecting against monkeypox. This is based on observational research done in Africa. Maria Van Kerkhove is the WHO’s top epidemiologist for zoonotic disease. However, vaccines aren’t readily available, so it’s crucial to keep them in reserve for those most vulnerable. To see if vaccine manufacturers can increase production, she said WHO would be collaborating with them.

WHO officials stated that the first symptoms of monkeypox are a low energy level, fever and back pain. The rash can then spread to the hands, face, and feet. These papules then turn into bumps or raised bumps. Blisters that resemble chicken pox are common. These can become pustules, which then break down and spread with white fluid.

Gottlieb described it as a disabling diseaseIt can live for up to 4 months, and it has a long 21-day incubation.

Gottlieb stated that “I don’t believe this will be spread uncontrolled in the same manner as we tolerated Covid-19.” But there’s a chance that this may have gotten in the community, if it is more widespread than we are currently measuring. That would make it difficult to eradicate.

— CNBC’s Spencer KimballAnd Karen GilchristThis article was contributed by.

Disclosure: CNBC’s Dr. Scott Gottlieb has been a contributor to CNBC and is a member on the boards at Pfizer, Genetic Testing Start-up Tempus and Aetion. Illumina. He is also co-chair. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings′ and Royal CaribbeanThe “Healthy Sail Panel”