Monkeypox declared ‘imminent threat to public health’ in New York

Health officials announced on Thursday that Monkeypox has been declared an “imminent threat to public health” in New York City due to the continued and rapid spread of the disease.

The state leads the nation in confirmed cases, with 1,247 of America’s 4,907 infections, with nearly all cases in and around New York City. State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said the statement “releases” additional money to help prevent the spread of the disease.

That same day, San Francisco officials said they would declare a “local emergency” for monkeypox as the number of infections reached 241. While the Biden administration is considering action, no nationwide alarm has yet been sounded.

One in five Americans now fears monkeypox, according to a survey of 1,500 adults from Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Center for Public Policy.

The table above shows the total number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States. Officials say the number has risen by more than 1,000 in 24 hours this week as “historic” cases have been recorded.

In a statement released Thursday, Bassett said: “Based on the rapidly increasing and above all the continued spread of this virus [gay or bisexual male] society … I have declared monkeypox an immediate public health threat in New York State.

“This announcement means that local health services… will have access to additional state reimbursements after maximizing other sources of federal funding.

‘[This will held] to protect all New Yorkers and ultimately limit the spread of monkeypox in our communities.”

Concerns about monkeypox have increased after the number of cases rose by more than 1,000 a day on Wednesday, and officials predict the disease will continue to rise for “weeks”.

About 99 percent of infections have been detected in men, and the “overwhelming majority” are gay or bisexual.

But leading experts fear the disease will spread to more vulnerable groups. In the past seven days, America has recorded the first two cases in infants – one infant in California and one infant in Washington DC – and one pregnant woman.

Announcing plans to declare monkeypox a state of emergency this week, San Francisco Mayor London Breed said “rapid action” is needed to “protect public health”.

“Many people in our LGBTQ+ community are scared and frustrated,” he said.

“This local emergency allows us to continue to support the most vulnerable while also being better prepared for what is to come.”

Bay Area City Medical Director, Dr. Grant Colfax said the COVID-19 pandemic has taught them that early action is needed to contain the disease.

Their notice will go into effect on 1 August.

The Biden administration is also expected to declare a health emergency in the coming days, according to policy reports.

It would follow a similar decision taken by the World Health Organization last week after previous refusals to relocate.

When this was announced, the White House said it was a “call to action” for countries to “stop” the spread of the virus around the world.

Both cities are struggling to find adequate doses of vaccines to protect their citizens from the disease.

New York City offers the injection to all gay or bisexual men with multiple sexual partners within two weeks, while San Francisco is giving it to “anyone who wants it.”

New York received 110,000 doses yesterday, 80,000 of which were directed at New York City, in addition to the 60,000 that have been distributed throughout the state so far.

But of the 35,000 originally requested, only 4,220 were offered in San Francisco.

Presentations have previously been criticized for their slow speed and how “ridiculous” it was to have so few shots in such big cities.

America has the most confirmed cases of monkeypox in the world. But looking at the per capita data – a more accurate measurement because it takes into account countries with different population sizes – shows that Spain had the worst outbreak.

It comes after a survey warned that concerns about monkeypox are growing among Americans amid rising cases.

The Annenberg Center for Public Policy, part of the University of Pennsylvania, interviewed 1,500 Americans two weeks ago about whether they were worried about catching Covid or monkeypox.

It was found that 19% said they were worried about monkeypox contamination. A higher percentage — 30 percent — said they were still worried about catching Covid.

Most respondents said they were not worried about contracting either disease.

“It is important that the public aligns their concerns with the reality of the risk of Covid and monkeypox and acts appropriately,” said Kathleen Jamieson, director of the centre.