California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency in response to the monkeypox virus, which has thus far mostly affected men who have sex with men.
In a statement on Monday, Newsom said the state of California will be working closely with the federal government to make monkeypox vaccines more readily available while also combatting any stigma the LGBTQ community might face.
“We’ll continue to work with the federal government to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBTQ community fighting stigmatization,” Newsom said.
According to the Associated Press, roughly 800 cases have been reported in the Golden State, spreading mostly through skin-to-skin contact among men who have sex with men. The virus can also spread through the sharing of bedding, towels, and clothing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…
