PARIS 

The French public health authority on Thursday confirmed 33 cases of the monkeypox virus in France.

The figure has nearly doubled since the last update on Monday with 17 cases.

As of June 1, 24 cases were reported in the Paris region of Ile-de-France, two in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, four in Occitanie, and one each in Haut-de-France, Centre-Val de Loire, and Normandy, the French Public Health Agency said in a statement.

Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon said there is no fear of an outbreak of the disease as there are enough vaccines to keep the virus from spreading.

France has begun targeted vaccination for those individuals who are in contact with the infected patients and for the health workers treating monkeypox cases.

France detected the first case in the Paris region on May 20. Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon earlier this week announced targeted vaccination of healthcare workers treating patients with monkeypox and contact cases.

The zoonotic disease is caused by an orthopoxvirus and can be transmitted from animals to humans as well as human to human. Symptoms can begin with a high fever, headaches, body aches, and weakness. After about two days, blistering rashes and boils on the face, hands, and feet start. Patients are advised to be in isolation throughout the duration of the disease which can last until three to four weeks.