How many monkeypox cases are there in Florida and the rest of the nation? Take a look

As monkeypox continues to spread in the United States amid a global outbreak, you may be wondering:

What is monkeypox? And how many cases are there in Florida and the rest of the country?

Here are some answers:

How many monkeypox cases are there in Florida?

Florida has confirmed more than 400 cases of monkeypox since the U.S. outbreak began in May, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of the state’s cases are in South Florida.

In the U.S., the state with the most cases is New York, which has recorded more than 1,000 cases, followed by California, with more than 800. Both states have declared an emergency over monkeypox. So has Illinois.

How are other U.S. states faring with the disease?

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown. Keep in mind that the map, which uses CDC data, automatically updates and may have a lag.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is similar to smallpox, though it’s usually milder and less fatal. It can spread through intimate contact, such as kissing and sex, by direct contact with the rash and body fluids or by touching contaminated objects, such as clothing and bedding.

The disease typically occurs in the tropical rain forests of Central and West Africa and causes various symptoms, including fever and painful pimple-like rashes.

READ NEXT: As monkeypox cases surge in South Florida, demand for vaccines intensifies

This year, outbreaks have occurred in countries that don’t normally report the disease, including the United States, which has more than 6,000 confirmed cases. While anyone can get monkeypox, many of the people who have fallen ill in this outbreak are men who have sex with men. Monkeypox vaccines exist, but supply is limited.

The World Health Organization in July declared monkeypox to be a “public health emergency of international concern.”

READ MORE: Are there monkeypox myths? A Miami doctor breaks down disease fact and fiction