US declares monkeypox public health emergency

The US government has declared monkeypox a public health emergency as the US outbreak has grown into the largest in the world.

Cases have topped 6,600 in the US, according to health officials.

"We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously," Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said to reporters during a briefing on Thursday.

The virus typically causes pimple-like rashes, which can be extremely itchy and painful, to develop and spread across the body, as well as other complications. Infections are usually mild and clear up on their own in adult patients without treatment or hospitalization - but the WHO has warned that young children have died at higher rates from the disease.