Monkeypox Outbreak: CDC activates Emergency Operations Center to bolster agency’s response
The CDC's increased support comes as monkeypox Cases Continue To Spread Globally
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help "supplement" the agency’s ongoing response to the current
monkeypox outbreak, according to a recent press release.
"This action stands up the CDC’s command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to monkeypox and mobilizing additional CDC personnel and resources," the agency said.
Test tube labelled "Monkeypox virus positive" is seen in this illustration taken May 22, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help "supplement" the agency’s ongoing response to the current monkeypox outbreak, according to a recent press release. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo)
A high number of monkeypox cases are occurring in
gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, according to early CDC data.
Monkeypox is rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus that belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox called variola virus.
The disease is endemic in Africa, but since May 2022 monkeypox cases have been identified in approximately 25 states in the U.S. among people returning from international travel and their close contacts domestically.
There are currently 244 monkeypox cases in the United States and 4357 cases globally in 48 locations, as of June 27.
Monkeypox outbreak: CDC activates Emergency Operations Center to bolster agency’s response