New York declared a state of emergency over monkeypox, after its governor, Kathy Hochul, stated that as of July 29, the state had already accumulated 1,383 cases.
The declaration of a statewide disaster emergency, he said, will serve to strengthen ongoing efforts to address the monkeypox outbreak.
"This Executive Order allows us to respond more quickly and enables healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help vaccinate more New Yorkers," the governor said on Twitter.
She noted that more than one in four monkeypox cases in the country are in New York, which currently has a disproportionate impact on at-risk groups.
"We are working around the clock to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity and educate New Yorkers on how to stay safe," he stressed.
In mid-July, the state launched a cell phone information system on the disease, which provides the service in both English and Spanish. Those interested simply need to text the words “MONKEYPOX” or “MONKEYPOXESP” to the local phone number 81336.
By providing a ZIP code, New Yorkers can also opt in to receive location-based messages, which may include information about vaccines and care in their area.
For its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in the third week of July that Sonic Healthcare USA (Sonic) will begin testing for monkeypox using the federal agency's orthopoxvirus test, which detects most orthopoxvirus viruses unrelated to smallpox, including monkeypox.
The New York Department of Health said that while New Yorkers should not be alarmed, everyone should stay informed about monkeypox. This means understanding the symptoms, how it spreads and what to do if you are exposed.
It should be noted that last week, San Francisco Mayor London Breed also declared a State of Emergency for monkeypox, which went into effect on Monday, August 1, an action she said will allow the city to prepare and dedicate resources to prevent the spread of the disease.
As of Thursday, July 28, there were 261 diagnosed cases of monkeypox in San Francisco, a figure that places it as one of the epicenters of the disease in the country, as it registered more cases than most states.
Breed noted that while this virus affects everyone equally, there is a higher risk of exposure in the LGBTQ+ community, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases in San Francisco.
He also pointed out that the Latino community represents 30 percent of the cases, despite being only 15 percent of the city's population.
Monkeypox is spread through close physical contact between people. This means that anyone can contract the disease. However, according to the current outbreak, certain populations are affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men.
Based on previous monkeypox outbreaks around the world, some groups may also be at higher risk of serious outcomes if they contract the virus, including people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children under 8 years old, and pregnant people.
Symptoms of monkeypox may include:
- Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, or face.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.
Monkeypox is spread through close physical contact between individuals. This includes:
- Direct contact with simian pox sores or rashes on a person who has the virus.
- Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with the disease, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time.
- It can also be transmitted through contact with objects or fabrics (clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
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