AUGUST 4, 2022:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will declare a public health emergency to bolster the federal response to the outbreak of monkeypox that already has infected more than 6,600 Americans. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter said. The expected announcement will free up federal funding and resources to fight the virus which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement.
JULY 22, 2022:
NEW YORK (AP) — The spread of monkeypox in the U.S. could represent the dawn of a new sexually transmitted disease, though some health officials say the virus that causes pimple-like bumps might yet be contained before it gets firmly established. Experts don’t agree on the likely path of the virus. Some fear that it’s becoming so widespread that it’s on the verge of becoming an entrenched STD — like gonorrhea, herpes and HIV. But no one’s really sure, and some say testing and vaccines can still stop the outbreak from taking root. So far, more than 2,400 U.S. cases have been reported as part of an international outbreak that emerged two months ago.
JULY 14, 2022 UPDATE:
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say thousands more doses of the monkeypox vaccine could soon begin shipping from Denmark. The Food and Drug Administration says it has completed a required inspection of the overseas plant where the two-dose shots are manufactured. The update comes amid soaring demand for the shots in New York City, California and other parts of the U.S. The U.S. government purchased more than 1.1 million doses of the vaccine from Bavarian Nordic, most which are still in storage at the company’s Denmark plant. But the FDA requires an on-site inspection before vaccines from a new plant can be cleared. An FDA spokesperson said its inspection was recently completed.
JULY 14, 2022:
NEW YORK (AP) — Soaring demand for the monkeypox vaccine caused the appointment system to crash in New York City, one of many places where supplies have been running out almost as soon as they arrive. City health officials acknowledged the frustration over the limited supply of the vaccine and vowed to build a “stable appointment infrastructure” as the vaccine supply increases. Infections now exceed 1,000 from the growing outbreak in the U.S. Most patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illness may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
Comments