AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Local leaders declared monkeypox a public health emergency in Austin and Travis County Tuesday morning.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the hope is to encourage residents to practice safe behaviors, as the disease continues to spread across all communities. Adler was joined by Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Austin-Travis County health authority Dr. Desmar Walkes for Tuesday's announcement.
“We are issuing emergency orders today primarily for the purpose that our community knows that this is a serious situation,” Adler said.
As of Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services was reporting a total of 702 cases of monkeypox statewide. Locally, officials are monitoring a total of 68 cases - including both confirmed and presumptive cases.
The orders are also intended to help boost resources from state and federal officials. "We need the federal government to do everything they can to increase the availability of the vaccine and medicine,” Adler said.
Travis County has received a limited supply of vaccine and medication for individuals who have been exposed to a known case; however, it may be September before vaccinations are more readily available.
In lieu of vaccines, health officials urge residents to wash hands, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact and stay home if experiencing symptoms.