California Governor Gavin Newsom Issues State of Emergency to Help Fight Smallpox in Monkeys: NPR
Richard Vogel / AP
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Monday due to the current outbreak of monkeypox.
The alert was issued to help the state health department ramp up immunization, education, and outreach efforts in response to the virus. Newsom said in a statement.
“California is working urgently at all levels of government to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robust testing, contact tracing, and strengthened community partnerships. During the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccine, treatment and access,” Newsom said.
He continued, “We will continue to work with the federal government to ensure more vaccines, raise awareness about risk reduction and stand with the LGBTQ community against discrimination. “
The first California case of the current monkeypox outbreak was confirmed on May 25. The total population in the state is now 825, compared with 5,811 cases nationally.
To date, California has given 25,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine and has received about 61,000 doses, Newsom said.