Robert Wack: Monkeypox is here but no cause for panic

As if we don’t have enough to keep us preoccupied, the world has a new virus to learn and worry about: monkeypox. Despite the sometimes alarmist news coverage, the current global outbreak of this well-known but previously rare virus is not a cause for panic. Unlike the situation with COVID-19 in 2020, this virus is not very contagious, has established treatments, and already has a safe, effective vaccine ready to use. Monkeypox is a member of a group of viruses called Orthopoxviruses, which also contains the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox. The association with smallpox and our recent history with COVID is likely the source of the heightened anxiety around the current outbreak.