[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] As the infectious disease monkeypox spreads worldwide, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he is working to distribute vaccines.
On the 22nd (local time), before boarding Air Force One, his official plane, to head to Japan after a 2-night, 3-day visit to Korea, President Biden responded to reporters' questions about monkeypox, saying, "We are working to find out what we need to do and what vaccines can be used for that."
Although he has not yet received reports from health advisors about the level of monkeypox exposure, he said, "But that is something everyone should be concerned about." He also added, "If it spreads, it is worrisome because it is serious."
This is the first time President Biden has publicly mentioned the monkeypox outbreak.
Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, who is accompanying President Biden on his Korea-Japan tour, also told reporters on board Air Force One en route to Japan, "There are vaccines related to monkeypox treatment," and "We have available vaccines to be distributed."
Monkeypox, a viral disease, shows initial symptoms similar to smallpox upon infection, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, lymphadenitis, and fatigue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of the previous day, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox infection were found in 12 countries, including 20 cases in the UK, where monkeypox infections were not originally reported, as well as in Europe, the United States, and Australia. WHO is expected to announce guidelines and recommendations to mitigate the spread of the disease within a few days.
In the United States, one person has been confirmed infected, and health authorities are monitoring six others for possible infection.
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