The new variant of M pox, formerly known as monkeypox, has not yet been reported in the U.S., according to Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner. He said his profession is concerned because the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how quickly a disease can spread around the world, even though it’s confined to Africa.
“This is important because we are all interconnected and these diseases and microbes can spread between us. So we all have a vested interest in looking out for each other and making sure these diseases don’t spread and cause so much harm to people.”
Stack said M-pox lineage 1 is currently restricted to Africa, while lineage 2 entered the United States two years ago and infected 111 Kentuckians, but no one died, and is primarily restricted to men who have sex with men and people who have many anonymous sexual partners.
“So for the vast majority of Americans, this is not a risk that is of particular concern. But those who are at risk are encouraged and strongly encouraged to get the JYNNEOS vaccine because it helps to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness and disease.”
The Kentucky Department of Health and Family Services reports more than 7,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine have been administered in the state.
CDC Mpox Vaccine Information
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