NY Governor Hochul declares state of ‘disaster emergency’ over monkeypox

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order Friday night declaring the spread of monkeypox a “disaster emergency” as 1,400 cases of the viral disease were recorded statewide.

The vast majority of the cases — 1,289 — have occurred in New York City, according to health officials who warn that many more cases are likely undiagnosed, New York Post reports.

Hochul’s decree said that local agencies were “unable to respond adequately” as she ordered Albany to step in and help boost vaccination and preventative education efforts.

“After reviewing the latest data on the monkeypox outbreak in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our aggressive ongoing efforts to confront this outbreak,” Hochul wrote in a press release.

“More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York State, and we need to utilize every tool in our arsenal as we respond.”

New York had recorded 1,383 cases of the virus, which causes patients to experience a flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes before developing a rash on their face and body.