PYEONGTAEK, South Korea (AP) — President Joe Biden stated Sunday that latest cases of monkeypox which were recognized in Europe and the US have been one thing “to be involved about.”
In his first public feedback on the illness, Biden added: “It’s a concern in that if it have been to unfold it might be consequential.”
The president was requested concerning the illness as he spoke to reporters at Osan Air Base in South Korea, the place he visited troops earlier than taking off for Japan to proceed his first journey to Asia as president.
“They haven’t advised me the extent of publicity but however it’s one thing that everyone must be involved about,” Biden stated. He added that work was underway to find out what vaccine is likely to be efficient.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s nationwide safety adviser, advised reporters aboard the flight to Tokyo that the US has a provide of “vaccine that’s related to treating monkeypox.”
“We’ve vaccine out there to be deployed for that goal,” he stated. Sullivan stated Biden was getting common updates on the outbreak.
Monkeypox is never recognized exterior of Africa, however as of Friday, there have been 80 confirmed instances worldwide, together with a minimum of two in the US, and one other 50 suspected ones.
Though the illness belongs to the identical virus household as smallpox, its signs are milder. Folks often recuperate inside two to 4 weeks without having to be hospitalized, however the illness often is lethal.
Megerian reported from Washington. Related Press author Darlene Superville in Washington contributed reporting.
