Monkeypox cases in children hits 4 in US as experts warn of spread’s ‘high risk’ for kids under 8 ahead of school return

MONKEYPOX cases in US children have risen to four as experts warn of the spread's "high risk" for kids under eight, just before back to school season has started.

Indiana state officials confirmed the new two unidentified patients on Tuesday.

The new cases are confirmed as a total of 5,811 Americans have become infected with the virus since May.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said in a statement:

"Like many other states, Indiana has seen an increase in monkeypox cases over the past month."

In total four children in the US has tested positive for monkeypox, after federal officials previously confirmed two other cases last month.

The first two infected was a toddler in California and a non-US resident from the UK who was tested in the Washington DC area.

The children were described as being in good health and receiving treatment. 

THE CDC pushed a over the weekend, warning of preliminary evidence that has suggested children below the age of eight could develop a more severe reaction to the virus.

Young children with eczema and other skin conditions, and children with immunocompromising conditions may also be at more risk for severe illness, according to the .

In rare cases, the virus can result in encephalitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, sepsis, abscess, airway obstruction due to severe lymphadenopathy, keratitis, and corneal scarring, the CDC reported.

Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine told :

"There have been a small number of cases in children globally but one of the difficulties is that a lot of the age data is merged at a global level making it difficult to say how many children cases have been outside of Africa."

Dr. Aniruddha Hazra told : "Out of the 15,000 cases that have been reported to WHO, about less than 75 have occurred in children."

Although Monkeypox is not spread through respiratory droplets, it can be spread through close skin-to-skin contact or through a secondary surface like clothing, bedding, or towels.

Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital told ABC News:

“We have four cases in this country, so the risk is low.

"But you do have household transmission. So we will see more kids with this virus.”

The telling sign of monkeypox is a rash that progresses from maculopapular lesions to vesicles, pustules, and then scabs, according to the CDC.

Other symptoms associated with monkeypox can be a fatigue, headaches, coughing, and eye swelling, to name a few.

Swollen lymph nodes and a fever can also be associated with the virus, but are less common.

Monkeypox symptoms can appear similar to other common childhood illnesses, so parents should see a doctor if they notice any concerning symptoms.