Photo Credit: The AV Times
Monkeypox cases are on the rise and may increase even more as time passes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent has confirmed over 1,400 positive virus cases, and experts predict that more will be diagnosed.
With an increase in demand for vaccines and a lower supply, some people may experience longer wait times to receive their vaccinations. This is most apparent at epicenters of outbreaks like New York City, where people had to wait in long queues to get vaccinated. The director of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said that the problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
With an increase in demand for the vaccine, it has been an imperative task for the staff at the Health and Human Services to continue their efforts to increase the supply of vaccines. Dr. Walensky said, “We know that this is frustrating.”
Walensky expects more people to flock to hospitals for vaccine shots and testing centers for diagnosis as the virus might have spread by then. More vaccine supplies are set to hit hospitals between July and August.
The United States can now test around 70,000 specimens per week thanks to partnerships with commercial labs like Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics. They specialize in orthopox virus testing – a family of viruses that includes Monkeypox. Dr. Jennifer McQuiston said that if you’re positive orthopox-positive, there’s a high chance of also having been infected by Monkeypox.
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The tests for Orthopox are primarily done by extracting liquid from lesions that a patient develops after contracting this virus. However, it takes weeks before these sores show up and can only be diagnosed once they’re already there; no other effective way exists to diagnose Orthopox.
Monkeypox is a highly infectious disease that can be caught through sexual contact. Those diagnosed with Monkeypox are mostly gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with other males.
The Centers for Disease Control have reported 11,000 cases of Monkeypox in 55 countries worldwide.
Vaccines to be delivered to the U.S.
The United States has shipped a total of more than 300,000 vaccine shots to several states. One company that is adding its contribution to the efforts is Danish manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, which has already pledged a total of 786,000 vaccines to the U.S.
According to Bavarian Nordic, the shots are already in store in Denmark. The vaccines will immediately be delivered as soon as the Food and Drug Administration signs the approval – which is scheduled to be handed by the end of the month, as per an official from the HHS, Dawn O’Connell.
The U.S. has ordered 2.5 million doses of Jynneos from Bavarian Nordic to be delivered next year following last week’s agreement with the manufacturer. This will bring the total stock of vaccines available for use in America up to over 7 million.
The older vaccine for smallpox, ACAM200, can counter Monkeypox. However, It should not be given to people with weak immune systems or skin diseases because of its side effects. High-risk individuals are also discouraged from receiving ACAM200.
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Suspected cases should be immediately brought to the nearest hospital. “It’s critically important for states and jurisdictions to quickly and accurately report all of their cases through CDC recommended reporting,” Walensky stated.
Monkeypox is a highly infectious virus that can be passed through skin contact and face-to-face interactions. It’s also easily contracted through sex, so the CDC suggests avoiding intimate partners or other people if there are noticeable symptoms.
For the time being, people should avoid going to places like parties and other social functions where they will be in prolonged contact with other people.
Source: CNBC
Opinions expressed by CEO Weekly contributors are their own.
