ST. LOUIS, MO (First Alert 4) – Health officials in the St. Louis area are closely monitoring the spread of MPOX after the World Health Organization declared the MPOX virus a public health emergency.
The World Health Organization has issued a similar warning about COVID-19, but unlike the early days of COVID-19, the mpox vaccine is already available. Currently, the virus is largely contained to Africa. Health officials said there are no cases in the United States, but they are prepared if cases emerge in our area.
“We have teams ready and waiting in case there are cases,” said Brett Emmoh of the St. Louis County Health Department. “For the most part, we're just waiting to see how the situation unfolds.”
The St. Louis County Health Department said that if cases arise in our area, the federal government will have to distribute vaccine from the national stockpile.
Vaccines are currently being offered for high-risk individuals at Affinia Healthcare on Washington Avenue, click here to see who is eligible.
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