Monkeypox Has Been Declared A ‘Public Health Emergency’ By Biden Administration
This comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a State of Emergency to combat the outbreak of monkeypox on Monday.
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This comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a State of Emergency to combat the outbreak of monkeypox on Monday.
The first case of monkeypox (a type of Orthopoxvirus) first appeared in the United States in Boston, Massachusetts on May 18, 2022. Since then the case number has grown exponentially. As of August 2, Monkeypox has since spread to 48 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
This week, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a “state of emergency” for the outbreak, following a similar move by the city of San Francisco, and WHO (the World Health Organization) who declared it a global health emergency on July 23. On August 4, the Biden administration announced it is declaring monkeypox a public health emergency in an effort to speed up the distribution of the vaccines and expand testing.
“We’re prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told reporters in a call. “And we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously and to take responsibility to help us tackle this virus.”
As of August 4, there are a total of 7,102 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the federal supply of Monkeypox vaccine remains limited. The Public Health priority is to administer a first dose of vaccine to as many people who are at higher risk for Monkeypox exposure as possible. When the vaccine supply improves, Public Health will make second doses available.
I remain committed to our monkeypox response: ramping-up vaccine distribution, expanding testing, and educating at-risk communities.
That's why today's public health emergency declaration on the virus is critical to confronting this outbreak with the urgency it warrants.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 4, 2022
Anyone can get or spread monkeypox. Though as of now the virus is mostly spreading in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), it is important to remember that anyone is susceptible.
Monkeypox spreads through close bodily contact with an infected person — from oral, anal and vaginal sex to even hugging and kissing.
Though it can spread from direct contact with the sores or rash of someone who has it or through respiratory droplets from face to face contact, it can also spread through their used items like bedding, clothing, towels, etc.
Typical symptoms include a rash or sores that can resemble pimples or blisters. They can occur all over your body, or be concentrated on certain parts like the face, hands or feet. They are very itchy and painful, and can also be accompanied by flu symptoms like sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and tiredness. They normally begin within two weeks of exposure to the virus.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, if you suspect you have monkeypox and wish to get tested:
If you have monkeypox symptoms or are currently under isolation for monkeypox, please do not attend the vaccination clinics or walk-up sites. Again, If you think you have monkeypox please speak with a provider and get tested. If you do not have a provider, call 2-1-1 for assistance.
As of August 2—though the requirements may change as supplies increase—you must meet all of the following conditions to be vaccinated for monkeypox in Los Angeles:
Gay or bisexual men and transgender persons 18 years of age and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days including engaging in survival and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for shelter, food and other goods and needs)
Note: If you are immunocompromised (including if you have advanced or uncontrolled HIV), you may be at high risk for severe disease and will be prioritized for vaccination.
Find the full requirements at publichealth.lacounty.gov
According to the CDC, here are some monkeypox prevention measure you can take:
As of August 4, 2022 there are 826 confirmed monkeypox cases in California. You can check the updated numbers on the CDC’s map here.
You can find more detailed info and communication about monkeypox on Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department Of Public Health, and the CDC.