Prevention efforts ramp up in Georgia, U.S. as monkeypox virus spreads

Health officials are working to prevent further spread of the monkeypox virus in the United States. So far in Georgia, one person is suspected of having it and is isolating at home.

Investigators at the state Department of Health are coordinating with the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm whether the person’s symptoms can be traced to the virus.

The risk to the general population remains low, says infectious disease expert Dr. Jennifer McQuiston. But, it’s critical to identify new cases as quickly as possible to prevent an increase in infections.