June 27, 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that monkeypox had not yet reached global public health emergency status but remains an “evolving health threat.”
In a statement Saturday, the WHO's top official said the virus is still a public health challenge that requires a coordinated response across the world. WHO leaders met on Thursday to discuss the current spread of the virus and to determine if the virus met the criteria to be considered a global health emergency.
“What makes the current outbreak especially concerning is the rapid, continuing spread into new countries and regions and the risk of further, sustained transmission into vulnerable populations including people that are immunocompromised, pregnant women, and children,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Here’s the latest update on the virus:
Last week, HHS announced it had begun shipping tests to five commercial laboratory companies in an effort to expand testing capacity.
“All Americans should be concerned about monkeypox cases. Thankfully we have right now the tools to fight and treat cases in America,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. “By dramatically expanding the number of testing locations throughout the country, we are making it possible for anyone who needs to be tested to do so.”
More information about monkeypox and the CDC’s response is available online. Additional information for clinicians also is available.
Tags: Public Health
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