More than 140 cases of monkeypox have been reported across the U.S. Considering the enormity of the situation, the Biden administration has some new initiatives in Place. New monkey pox test kits will be available soon commercially.
Commercial labs, namely Labcorp, Aegis Science, Quest Diagnostics, feature in the list of labs that would be receiving the kits.
This is a desirable move as earlier monkeypox testing was confined to public health laboratories. All in all, these labs could test only a maximum of 8,000 people per week. With private labs also getting access to the tests, more diagnoses can be made, which will further prevent the spread of the disease.
“All Americans should be concerned about monkeypox cases. Thankfully we have right now the tools to fight and treat cases in America. By dramatically expanding the number of testing locations throughout the country, we are making it possible for anyone who needs to be tested to do so,” said Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The reported fatality ratio is 1: 10 so far. However, there has been widespread criticism against the administration that adequate measures are not undertaken.
Besides testing kits, the administration has also plans to make more vaccines available. Once available, the priority group will be people who are highly susceptible/vulnerable to getting the disease.
First identified in laboratory monkeys, monkeypox is more common in the western parts of Africa. It is comparatively rare in the U.S, although a few cases were reported in the country last year. However, there has been an unusual spread this year, forcing the governing bodies to begin urgent measures.
It is not sure why the unusual spike. However, the authorities warn anyone who comes into close contact with an affected person is at risk.