US declares the end to monkeypox outbreak

International

1-02-2023, 23:46

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INA - SOURCES

The monkeypox outbreak is officially over in New York City, the city’s Health Department announced on Wednesday.

The declaration came after the United States public health emergency expired on Jan. 31.

The Health Department said vaccination efforts led to more than 100,000 immunizations across the five boroughs since early summer 2022. DOH also cited its partnerships with community organizations that resulted in behavior change among the most at-risk groups and individuals, especially members of the LGBQT+ community.

“The end of the monkeypox outbreak is a moment of pride for us in public health,” Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said in a statement. “Our city was the first in the nation to pilot effective strategies, driving both public awareness and official response strategies. We have dramatically reduced transmission and are better prepared for future outbreaks.”