Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told lawmakers Wednesday that monkeypox continues to spread across the United States, but the rate of new cases has slowed. in the past few weeks.
While the virus is still spreading at breakneck speed in certain areas of the United States, the increase in new cases of monkeypox nationally and globally has decreased in recent weeks, she said. testified before the Senate Health, Education, Work and Pensions Committee. on Wednesday.
“We approach this news with cautious optimism,” she said at a hearing.
The United States is working to contain the largest outbreak of monkeypox in the world, with more than 22,600 cases in all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. according to data from CDC.
The disease is rarely fatal, but causes painful lesions resembling boils or blisters. According to Walensky, there has been one confirmed death in the US from the disease.
The Jynneos vaccine, made by the Danish biotechnology company Bavarian Nordic, is the only monkeypox vaccine approved in the US. The two doses are given 28 days apart, and CDC officials say those at risk should get a second shot. It takes two weeks after the second dose for the immune system to reach its peak response.
According to CDC guidance, people with smallpox should stay home until the rash heals and new skin forms, keep a safe distance from others, and do not share any objects or materials with others. other.
