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Monkeypox – a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus normally found only in Africa – is making headlines around the world, as cases are being reported in unusual places, including about 1,000 in the US and more than 6,000 worldwide . This has raised concerns that the US government is not doing everything it should to distribute the hundreds of thousands of vaccines and other effective treatments it already has. County health officials this week made only 600 vaccines available, by appointment, “to people at risk of monkeypox, especially gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and other men who have sex with men” and “in the circuit.” People attending / rave parties and pride celebrations.” The World Health Organization emphasizes that the disease is not limited to men who have sex with men and are at risk of coming into close contact with someone who who is suffering from this disease.
Monkeypox differs from its distant, deadly relative smallpox—usually only rashes, blisters, and flu-like symptoms that go away on their own. With only six local cases reported, its threat has to be proportionate. Since it is usually spread by close physical contact, not just intimacy, a balance is needed that keeps a community safe without stigmatizing anyone in it. And enough vaccines are key.