Monkeypox is a Sexually Transmitted Skin Rash, No Reason to Call a National Public Health Emergency

Dr. McCullough appeared on The HighWire with Del Bigtree to break down the emerging data on the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak. McCullough said there is no reason for public alarm since the illness was largely spread sexually among gay and bisexual men. People who took the smallpox vaccine (most born before 1972) had some protection to related Monkeypox. Despite these facts, the Biden administration declared a public health emergency regarding the monkeypox outbreak on August 4, 2022. This declaration aimed to accelerate the distribution of vaccines and treatments and expand testing capabilities. The declaration was made by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the global monkeypox (now known as mpox) emergency on May 11, 2023. This declaration followed a recommendation from the WHO's emergency committee, citing a significant decline in reported cases and no changes in the severity or clinical presentation of the disease. The WHO's Director-General accepted the committee's advice, officially ending the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Biden ended the emergency with no discussion or press release. Courtesy The HighWire May 22, 2022.