[KARE 11 News, August 02, 2022] As the monkeypox virus continues to spread nationwide, several states - including California, Illinois and New York have declared a state of emergency. The World Health Organization recently declared monkeypox a public health emergency across the globe.
"Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus similar to smallpox virus, but not as severe," said Dr. Frank Rhame, with Allina Health.
Rhame - an infectious disease expert with Allina Health - says the virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact and through infected animals.