In reaction to the quickly spreading virus, San Francisco and the state of New York on Thursday declared public health emergencies amid the increasing monkeypox outbreak.
The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the weekend, and two of the hardest-hit regions have responded by taking action as the Biden administration considers declaring a national emergency.
California and New York have reported more than 40% of the 4,907 confirmed cases of monkeypox nationwide.
“This declaration means that local health departments engaged in response and prevention activities will be able to access additional State reimbursement, after other Federal and State funding sources are maximized, to protect all New Yorkers and ultimately limit the spread of monkeypox in our communities,” Bassett said in a statement announcing the move.
San Francisco announced a state of emergency after learning that as of Wednesday, 261 persons had confirmed or likely cases of monkeypox.
The city’s health officer, Dr. Susan Philip, said that the order would permit flexibility as experts predict a larger community spread. The Jynneos vaccine, which is meant to shield San Francisco residents from smallpox and monkeypox infections, has been administered 8,200 times.
“Early action is crucial for protecting public health,” said Mayor London Breed in a statement announcing the proclamation. “San Francisco demonstrated during COVID that this is true.”
“We are aware that everyone is affected by this virus equally, but we are also aware that the LGBTQ population is currently at higher risk. Many members of our LGBTQ community are anxious and angry. “San Francisco showed during COVID that early action is essential for protecting public health,” said Mayor London Breed in a statemen to support our most at-risk, while also better preparing for what’s to come, said Mayor London Breed.
As illnesses increase, monkeypox has been deemed an urgent threat to public health in New York, according to state health commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
Following the use of all available Federal and State funding sources, Bassett said in a statement, “This declaration means that local health departments engaged in response and prevention activities will be able to access additional State reimbursement to protect all New Yorkers and ultimately limit the spread of monkeypox in our communities.”
