Cases of monkeypox worldwide have risen 77 percent in seven days, the World Health Organization said Thursday.
There were 6,027 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox in 59 countries on Monday, 2,614 more than on June 27, the last time the WHO issued its report.
Three deaths have been reported in Africa, where smallpox is considered endemic. There have been no deaths from the virus in the United States or other parts of the world.
There are 4,920 confirmed cases in Europe, the region with the most cases.
People who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who sleep with men make up the majority of cases, according to the WHO report.
Health experts have warned that while these groups make up the majority of cases, anyone can test positive for the virus.
Brian Thomas, a 32-year-old Baltimore man who recently tested positive for monkeypox, shared his experience with the virus on ABC News, saying he rejects people who think it’s a gay disease.
“While this community is the one most affected now, it won’t stay that way forever if the numbers increase,” Thomas said.
According to the WHO, the incubation period from the time a person is exposed when symptoms appear can be five to 21 days.
The disease begins with fever, headache, fatigue, chills, and muscle aches. Monkeypox also causes swollen lymph nodes.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it is sending about 300,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine for disease prevention to people who have been exposed.