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
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.
The declaration on Thursday comes amid reports that vaccines and treatments for monkeypox are in short supply across the country.
The Department of Health and Human Services said last week that it has ordered more than five million more doses, to be delivered until next May.
Source - HHS
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