Jakarta, IDN Times – The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Friday (2/12/2022) that it will withdraw its public health emergency declaration for monkeypox starting in February next year.
“Given today’s low case count, HHS does not anticipate having to renew its emergency (monkeypox) declaration when it expires on January 31, 2023,” Secretary Xavier Becerra said, quoted by Reuters.
Becerra added that his party will continue to monitor the rising trend of cases and encourage all vulnerable people to get vaccinated immediately.
1. The number of cases has passed its peak
Since it was first announced last May, the country has recorded nearly 30,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox, with 19 deaths among them, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Reported The New York Times, at its peak in early August, the United States is reporting about 450 cases a day. However, now that number has dropped dramatically to less than 10 cases a day.
Health experts say it is caused by several factors, such as high vaccination rates and behavioral adjustments among susceptible people.
Read also: Understanding! This is the difference between chickenpox and monkeypox
2. Preventive measures will continue to be implemented
vaccine illustration (unsplash.com/Brano)The Department of Health said policy for responding to the monkeypox outbreak would not change materially following the HHS announcement.
He further added that after the end of the public health emergency (PHE), vaccination, testing and treatment services would still be available.
“Over the next 60 days, we will focus on ensuring ending PHE does not hamper response efforts. And on urgently vaccinating those at risk, providing care and other support so progress can continue toward the end of long-lasting transmission. of monkeypox”. he said, quoted by CNN News.
3. The decision will be changed in the next two months
virus illustration (unsplash.com/Fusion Medical Animation)On the same occasion, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said the decision to end the monkeypox emergency declaration was made on the assumption that the epidemic would continue to show a downward trend over the next two months. .
He also added that if the condition worsens, his party will make changes to the plan.
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