Monkeypox cases are declining, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday extended the formal public health emergency since the virus is still prevalent widely across the nation.
According to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, “continued ramifications of an outbreak of monkeypox cases across numerous states” exist. According to the site, the public health emergency classification opens the door for research on the effectiveness of the monkeypox vaccination as well as data sharing among states.
On August 4, a public health emergency related to monkeypox was initially announced. According to the CDC, the current outbreak has sickened more than 28,000 Americans and resulted in eight fatalities.
According to Reuters this week, a new British study reveals that the virus can spread up to 4 days before symptoms manifest. (In the past, health authorities have stated that it is unknown if monkeypox spreads when symptoms are absent.)
Although flu-like symptoms are occasionally described, a rash is the primary sign of monkeypox.
According to the CDC, “men who have sex with men make up the bulk of cases in the current monkeypox outbreak, including gay, bisexual, and other men. However, everyone who has had intimate, personal contact with someone who has the monkeypox is at risk, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
