CA & IL Governors Declare Monkeypox State Of Emergency

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency to help facilitate a more urgent response to the monkeypox outbreak as the state has nearly 800 reported cases of the virus.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to speed efforts to combat the monkeypox outbreak, becoming the second state in three days to take the step. https://t.co/qJpMSe02To

— ABC News (@ABC) August 2, 2022

From ABC News:

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the declaration will help California coordinate a government-wide response, seek more vaccines and lead outreach and education efforts on where people can get treatment and vaccination.

“We’ll continue to work with the federal government to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBTQ community fighting stigmatization,” Newsom said in a statement announcing his declaration.

The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, which can include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as through the sharing of bedding, towels and clothing.

California has reportedly administered 25,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine, and received about 61,000 doses. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) of Illinois also declared a monkeypox state of emergency for his state on Monday. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) of New York issued a similar declaration of emergency for her state last week. Related: U.S. Preparing To Declare Monkeypox A Public Health Emergency At this writing, 5,811 cases of monkeypox have been recorded nationwide, with 1,390 of those cases in New York, another 827 in California and 520 in Illinois.

Monkeypox cases in California, Illinois and New York make up nearly half of the nationwide total. The governors in those states have all declared a state of emergency to help address the outbreaks. https://t.co/9Yqs8QUsZQ

— NPR (@NPR) August 2, 2022