Monkeypox is something “everybody should be concerned about” and the US is looking into what kind of treatments and vaccines are available, President Joe Biden has said.
The World Health Organisation has identified about 80 monkeypox cases globally, and roughly 50 more suspected cases.
Cases of the smallpox-related disease have previously been seen only among people with links to central and West Africa.
Read more: Monkeypox – how do you catch it, what are the symptoms, and how easily does it spread?
A leading doctor told Sky News the UK is facing a “significant rise” in cases over the next week, with 20 infections confirmed so far.
Speaking in South Korea before boarding a flight to Japan, Mr Biden said US health officials were looking into possible treatments and vaccines.
“We’re working on it hard to figure out what we do,” the US president added.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks before boarding Air Force One. Pic: AP
Monkeypox, which originates in primates and other wild animals, causes fever, body aches, chills and fatigue in most patients.
People with severe cases can develop a rash and lesions on the face, hands and other parts of the body.