Here’s how the United States tackled its first smallpox epidemic

• Monkeypox is a rare disease that is common in Central and West Africa.
• It was recently discovered in Europe and North America, including the United States.
• The United States suffered its first smallpox epidemic in 2003.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is common in Central and West Africa and is found among those who have traveled there.

However, at least a dozen cases were found in Europe and North America this month, leaving experts struggling to investigate the spread.

Here’s how the United States tackled its first outbreak of monkeypox in 2003.