California, Illinois Declare Monkeypox Health Emergencies

Officials in California and Illinois have declared public health emergencies over spread of the monkeypox virus in their states.

In an effort to advance the state’s inoculation drive, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said his declaration enables Emergency Medical Services personnel to administer doses of the FDA-approved monkeypox vaccine.

“California is working urgently across all levels of government to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robust testing, contact tracing and community partnerships strengthened during the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccines, treatment and outreach,” he said in a statement.