Photo Credit: The AV Times
Monkeypox is a potentially deadly virus that’s been making waves in the news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already confirmed over 1,400 cases across America, with many more expected as the country heads further the year.
The doctor said that the lack of vaccines is causing a problem for those who want to receive them and has led many people in line without being able to get their shots. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, mentioned New York City as being one area most affected by this issue with long lines under the intense city heat.
According to Dr. Walensky, the Department of Health and Human Services is working to increase the vaccine supply. She said, “We know that this is frustrating.”
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Dr. Walensky revealed a high chance for the supply to increase in July and August, making it easy for infected individuals who experience symptoms to get vaccinated as soon as they feel the symptoms. According to Dr. Walensky, more people are expected to flock to hospitals and testing centers for diagnosis.
After partnering with commercial labs like Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, it has been possible for the U.S. to test an average of 70,000 specimens per week. The specialized labs detect the presence of the Orthopox virus in an individual. Orthopox is a family of viruses that Monkeypox is a member of. Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, an official at the CDC, said if you’re diagnosed as having orthopox, then it is highly likely that you’re infected with Monkeypox.
To diagnose Orthopox, medical professionals extract the liquid from lesions that a patient develops after being infected with the virus. However, it takes weeks for these symptoms to appear, and there are no other effective tests available besides extraction, which can only occur at later stages of the infection.
Monkeypox is more common in gay men. In addition, the chances of getting Monkeypox are higher for males who have sex with other males as the virus spreads through sex.
The Center for Disease Control reports 11,000 cases of Monkeypox confirmed in 55 countries.
More vaccines for the U.S.
The U.S. is bracing for the impending health emergency as they have already sent more than 300,000 vaccine shots to several states, and now Danish manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, has been added to the fold, promising a total of 786,000 doses to be delivered to the U.S.
The shots are currently stored in Denmark and are bound to be delivered as soon as officials from the Food and Drug Administration approve them. According to Dawn O’Connell, an official at the HHS, the approval should be out by month’s end.
The U.S. has ordered 2.5 million doses of Jynneos vaccine from Bavarian Nordic, which will enter into national stockpile by next year and bring the total stock up to nearly 7 million.
The older vaccine for smallpox, ACAM200, is also effective against Monkeypox. But scientists highly discourage practitioners from giving it to people with weak immune systems or skin diseases because of its side effects and risk of complications.
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“It’s critically important for states and jurisdictions to quickly and accurately report all of their cases through CDC recommended reporting,” said Walensky. He said that once suspected of infection; an individual should immediately seek the help of medical professionals for proper guidance and observation.
The virus is passed through intimate contact and sex. The CDC suggests avoiding close proximity with loved ones if you notice signs of infection.
For the time being, people should avoid going into places that require them to stay in more prolonged contact with others, like parties and galas.
Source: CNBC
