New York declares state emergency over monkeypox

The governor of the State of New York, Kathy Hochul late on Friday declared an emergency in the state over the continued spread of monkeypox.

"I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront the monkeypox outbreak," Hochul tweeted.

I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront the monkeypox outbreak.

This Executive Order enables us to respond more swiftly, and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 30, 2022

She added that more than one in four monkeypox cases in the United States are in New York, also having a disproportionate impact on at-risk groups.

As of July 29, New York state had a total of 1,383 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases, according to the New York Department of Health's website.

Earlier on Friday, Brazil and Spain reported the first monkeypox-related deaths outside Africa.

The World Health Organization last week declared a global health emergency, its highest level of alert, over the monkeypox outbreak.

More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York, currently having a disproportionate impact on at-risk groups.

We are working around the clock to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity, and educate New Yorkers on how to stay safe.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 30, 2022