Decreasing Monkeypox Cases , Leave Scientists Optimistic , That it Can Be Eliminated.
Since the peak of 440 daily reported cases of monkeypox in August.
... daily reported cases are now
down to close to 60.
Researchers refer to the progress as "the best-case scenario" in what could have been expected working against the virus.
Where we are now is the best-case scenario, in terms of what can happen when you actually commit the tools you have to fight an outbreak, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, Emory University, NPR News.
Researchers say that
data shows this outbreak
of monkeypox spreads
among a "contained core
group" of people.
[The outbreak in the U.S.] has really been contained in a core group of sexually active men who have sex with men, with
multiple partners, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, University of Southern California, NPR News.
It's not in those long-term monogamous relationships or men who have an additional occasional partner every couple of months, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, University of Southern California, NPR News.
This is really [concentrated among] men who have multiple new partners every week, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, University of Southern California, NPR News.
Data shows that monkeypox is not likely to be spread on surfaces or through the transmission of saliva.
In addition, researchers expressed hope at the prospect that the disease could be eliminated either regionally or nationally.
I think we can expect to see regional elimination, potentially national elimination, where we would not see a sustained number of cases, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, University of Southern California, NPR News.
However, questions remain about the efficacy of vaccines in terms of how long protections against the virus remains.
Do they offer 100%, 75% or
50% protection? And is that protection for the rest of
your life?, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, Emory University, NPR News.
Or will you need subsequent vaccination to maintain a level
of protection?, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, Emory University, NPR News