U.S. declares monkeypox a public health emergency

The U.S. has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency, according to a federal health official. The Department of Health and Human Services can declare a 90-day public health emergency that allows HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to take additional steps and access new resources to combat public health issues. A total of 6,617 people have tested positive for monkeypox in the U.S. since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “In light of evolving circumstances on the ground, I am declaring a public health emergency on monkeypox. We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus. We urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” Becerra tweeted Thursday.

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