US' Plan To Deploy Vaccines Amid Surge In Monkeypox Cases

 The United States is planning to deploy monkeypox vaccines to people infected by the virus as the number of monkeypox cases is likely to increase. The US officials confirmed one case of monkeypox and four cases of orthopoxviruses on Monday. 

Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals. Orthopoxviruses also belong to the Monkeypox family. So far, nearly 100 cases have been reported in the world. Monkeypox has symptoms similar to smallpox but is less severe, with most people recovering within two weeks.

Monkeypox in the US

The first monkeypox case in the United States was reported in Massachusetts on Wednesday. Genetic sequencing of the Massachusetts case matched with the patient in Portugal and belonged to the West African strain.

In the US, all the suspected cases are presumed to be monkeypox. One orthopoxvirus case in New York, one in Florida, and two in Utah have been reported in the US. 

US President Joe Biden on Sunday raised concern about recent cases of monkeypox that have been identified in Europe and the United States. 

Vaccine distribution in the US

Reportedly, people exposed to the virus are often given one of several smallpox vaccines, which are effective against monkeypox. 

Jennifer McQuiston, deputy director of the division of high consequence pathogens and pathology, said, "Right now we are hoping to maximize vaccine distribution to those that we know would benefit from it.” 

As per media reports, the United States has around one thousand doses of JYNNEOS, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine for smallpox and monkeypox. 

Who is at a higher risk? 

People who've had contact with a known monkeypox patient are at a higher risk. People who have particular skin conditions, including eczema, are at greater risk too. They should take the vaccine as soon as possible.