New York Gov. Kathy Hochul late Friday declared the monkeypox outbreak that spread rapidly in New York a state disaster emergency as authorities scrambled to distribute vaccines to slow the spread of the virus .
The move comes as New York’s monkeypox infection count neared nearly 1,400 cases, with most infections in New York City, which is the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak.
“More than one in four cases of monkeypox in this country are in New York State, and we must use every tool in our arsenal as we respond,” Hochul said in a statement, addressing the statement of emergency
The director of the World Health Organization declared the virus a global health emergency late last week. As of Wednesday, more than 20,000 cases of monkeypox had been detected worldwide in 77 countries. The US currently has about 4,600 reported cases, USA TODAY reports.
The executive order specifically expands the pool of eligible individuals who can administer monkeypox vaccines, including EMS personnel, pharmacists and midwives. It also allows physicians and registered nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for non-patient-specific vaccines and requires providers to submit vaccine data to the state Department of Health.
VACCINES: More than 780,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine available Friday; San Francisco declares a state of emergency
Meanwhile, San Francisco’s mayor declared a state of emergency on Thursday over the growing number of cases in the city, which has 261 of California’s 800 cases.
“We desperately need vaccines to support the people of San Francisco,” said Mayor London Breed.
Federal health officials said they are still weighing whether to declare monkeypox a public health emergency, which would free up more resources.
After the federal government struggled to obtain enough monkeypox vaccines earlier this month, supplies have steadily increased in recent weeks, culminating in the distribution of 780,000 doses nationwide on Friday.
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About 110,000 doses went to New York, including about 30,000 outside New York City.
Vaccine clinics in the greater New York City area, as well as several upstate counties, faced overwhelming demand for vaccines earlier this week amid limited vaccine supplies, already that people booked available appointments within hours.
Health workers from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene help people sign up for the monkeypox vaccine at one of the city’s vaccination sites on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at New York. New York declared a state disaster emergency due to monkeypox on July 29. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Monkey pox is a rare viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can lead to hospitalization or death.
Monkey pox is spread through close physical contact between people. That means anyone can get monkeypox, state health officials said.
FILE – New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters in the Red Room of the state Capitol on July 1, 2022.
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 outbreaks of monkeypox around the world, some groups may also be at greater risk of serious outcomes if they contract monkeypox. This includes people with weakened immune systems, seniors in New York, children under 8, and pregnant women.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on New York State Team: NY declares state of disaster emergency over monkeypox outbreak