The United States and Biden administration officials have warned the country of the precautions being taken against the increasing outbreak of monkeypox. Unironically, this viral disease was first found in within colonies of Monkeys in the late 1950’s and was discovered mildly within the U.S. in 2003. The United States has been recently recorded to be taking extra precautions against this resurfacing virus in great fear that our world may again lockdown, and citizens will be left unprepared and unprotected- as we profoundly experienced with the outbreak of COVID-19.
More than 1,300 cases of monkeypox have been recorded globally, with increasing cases specifically throughout Germany, the UK and Portugal. When monkeypox was first recorded to be within the United States in 2003, there were 47 confirmed cases throughout 6 states. On Friday, the Biden Administration made an official statement confirming there to be 45 known cases of monkeypox within 15 states- a rather significant increase from the 20 cases that were recorded the week prior. Although there is an increase in the national presence of this viral illness, officials have stressed not only that public risk and exposure is very low, but also that our health agencies are properly equipped to protect and prevent this spread before it becomes an alarming concern.
One of the most prevalent questions that citizens of the United States have been demanding answers for is exactly how the country is prepared and taking precaution. Do our healthcare providers collectively have a sufficient amount of tests available, if needed? Vaccines? Will masks again be required to prevent the spread? Unlike the global inability to answer these questions efficiently with the coronavirus’ abrupt and colossal emergence, there have been answers. As stated on Friday, the United States allegedly has ordered 500,000 more monkeypox vaccine doses to be delivered this year, with 36,000 to be delivered in the next week. It was also important for the manufacturer to mention that the monkeypox vaccine will be produced using bulked materials owned by the US, and stored with the drug maker. Health officials have additionally stated that a countrywide mass vaccination will not be necessary, and that it is more likely that only those who contract the virus will need to receive it.
One of the key differences that have been noted between the monkeypox virus and the coronavirus is the transmission of the illness. The CDC stated that, in short, monkeypox spreads mainly from mouth to mouth– meaning contamination is less likely to be spread simply by being in a room full of people. In other words, this viral disease is spread by extremely close contact and not through respiratory droplets, such as it would with COVID-19 or influenza.
So, will masks be encouraged if the spread of monkeypox continues to increase? Possibly. Will a national mask mandate be implemented if cases remain relatively controllable? Officials are saying, most likely no.
This blog post is part of the CIMA Law Group blog. If you are located in Arizona and are seeking legal services, CIMA Law Group specializes in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Government Relations.
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