Gov. Hochul expected to decide whether to extend monkeypox state of emergency – News 12 Bronx

Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to decidetoday whether to extend the monkeypox state of emergency.

Gov. Hochul issued a state of emergency inlate July as New York became the epicenter of the outbreak in the country. She extended the order in August,and it is set to expire today.

As ofthis past Friday, there were nearly 25,000 cases of monkeypox in all 50 states,according to federal health experts.

Butthe good news is supplies of the vaccine have improved and new cases have beendecreasing steadily for weeks. The daily average went from more than 500 casesin August down to just over 200 last week.

In the Hudson Valley, Westchester County has the highestnumber of cases at 86. Ulster County the lowest number at just two cases.

Buthealth experts warn the outbreak is far from over and people need still need tobe vigilant.Monkeypox spreads throughclose, physical contact between people which means anyone can get the virus.However, certain populations are being affected more than others, including menwho have sex with men.Doctors say people at higherrisk for monkeypox infection may want to consider vaccination. There are alsoantiviral medications designed to treat monkeypox.

Thereare monkeypox vaccine clinics across the region, including most county healthdepartments, but you have to make an appointment.

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Gov. Hochul expected to decide whether to extend monkeypox state of emergency - News 12 Bronx