- But the lesions and blisters caused by the virus are painful, and they can prevent swallowing or bowel movements if in the throat or anus.
- “I think the science shows that protection is greatly improved with the vaccine.
- So I think that’s another motivation to go out and get it.”
The governor of California on Monday declared a state of emergency to expedite the fight against the monkeypox outbreak, making California the second state in three days to do so as reported by AP News.
Government-wide response
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.
People getting sick so far have mainly been men who have sex with men, though health officials note that the virus can infect anyone.
Primary spreading
“Public health officials are clear: stigma is unacceptable and counterproductive in public health response,” Michelle Gibbons, executive director of the County Health Executives Association of California said in a statement.
The fact is that monkeypox is primarily spread by skin-to-skin contact and by sharing objects like bedding or towels, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.
But the lesions and blisters caused by the virus are painful, and they can prevent swallowing or bowel movements if in the throat or anus.
The declaration in California came after a similar one in New York state on Saturday, and in San Francisco on Thursday.
Newsom’s administration had said as recently as Friday that it was too soon for such a declaration.
Administering vaccines
Newsom’s proclamation allows emergency medical personnel to administer monkeypox vaccines that are approved by the federal government.
It said the state’s response is building on the steps developed during the coronavirus pandemic to set up vaccination clinics and make sure there is outreach to vulnerable populations in cooperation with local and community-based organizations.
California has received more than 61,000 vaccine doses and has distributed more than 25,000 doses.
“We don’t have any time to waste,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement.
Critics have said the long wait for test results delayed treatment options.
Enough doses
In San Francisco, Peter Tran was among the hundreds who lined up sometimes for hours to receive the monkeypox vaccine at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Monday after the clinic was forced to close last week because it did not receive enough doses.
And like, it’s not even a deadly disease.
It’s harder to be transmitted than COVID.
And I honestly just don’t want the lesions on my body.
I heard the lesions are painful and leave scarring.
The city received about 4,000 doses on Friday, enabling it to restart vaccinations, and hopes to administer them by mid-week, said Dr Lukejohn Day, chief medical officer at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
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Source: AP News
