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Biden Admin Set to Declare Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency
The administration of U.S. Pres. Joe Biden is set to declare the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency in the country.
According to the Associated Press, this announcement will allow for federal funding and resources to be allocated in efforts to fight the virus. The said virus “spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels and clothing. The people who have gotten sick so far have been primarily men who have sex with men. But health officials emphasize that the virus can infect anyone.”
As of writing, 6,600 Americans have contracted monkeypox, according to the data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This outbreak has made several states, including California, Illinois, and New York, declare public health emergencies so that they could boost their local resources to help fight the disease.
On Monday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) released a statement, saying: “The Monkeypox Virus is a rare, but potentially serious disease that requires the full mobilization of all available public health resources to prevent the spread. I am declaring a state of emergency to expand the resources and coordination efforts of state agencies in responding to, treating, and preventing the spread of MPV.”
However, a national emergency declaration would follow public figures' calls to take the virus more seriously.
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