Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who served as the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) commissioner under President Donald Trump, warns that monkeypox might become the United States’ next public health catastrophe.
“If monkeypox persists in the United States and becomes an endemic virus, it will be one of the worst public health catastrophes in modern history not only because of the suffering and danger of the disease, but also because it was totally avoidable. Our shortcomings go beyond political decision-making to those who are responsible for protecting us from these dangers.”
The virus obtained ground rapidly with COVID. With monkeypox, which spreads more slowly and usually through very close contact, CDC’s cultural approach has not been as severe yet. But the shortcomings are still there.
According to the data from the CDC, there are around 5,200 monkeypox infections in the United States.
UPI reports:
“On Monday, the CDC will designate monkeypox — an infectious viral disease that has been cropping up all over the world recently as a nationally notifiable disease.”
“The warning means that states must notify the agency of suspected and confirmed monkeypox cases within 24 hours of detection. States are also required to submit surveillance data, such as case numbers.”
“The symptoms of monkeypox infection are similar to those of the flu. Swollen lymph nodes and fever develop, followed by a pimple- or blister-like rash appearing on the skin. It usually spreads via direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluid, as well as touching objects that have previously been touched by an infected person.”
On July 23rd, the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated monkeypox to a worldwide health emergency. The cities of New York and San Francisco have declared a public health emergency in recent days due to monkeypox, allowing them to access additional funds for the viral disease.
“We’re seeing more and more people get infected,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. “This order will help us continue to educate, test, vaccinate, and treat as many people as possible while also ensuring a whole-of-government response to this epidemic.”