Austin (WBAP/KLIF) – The World Health Organization has declared the expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries to now be a global emergency. Monkeypox has existed in central and west Africa for decades, but it had not spawned large outbreaks beyond that continent until May when dozens of epidemics were confirmed in Europe, North America and elsewhere.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports the number of monkeypox cases in north Texas has more than doubled since Tuesday. There were 42 confirmed cases in north Texas Tuesday. There are now 89:183 statewide. All but three of those cases involve men. Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through direct, prolonged contact with infectious lesions, scabs, or body fluids. There is a vaccine, but there has been little demand for it in Texas until now. Dallas County’s health department ran out of the vaccine during the week, and isn;t sure when it will be able to acquire more.
