Daniel Rofin, 41, receives a vaccine against monkeypox from a health professional in medical center in Barcelona, Spain, on July 26. The U.S. declared a public health emergency to bolster the federal response to the outbreak of monkeypox that already has infected more than 6,600 Americans, according to two people familiar with the matter said. Associated Press

Francisco Seco

WASHINGTON — As the federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the monkeypox outbreak that has infected more than 6,600 Americans, the Butler Health System is working on protocols for the disease.

The federal government’s announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.

“We are prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra, head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

According to Dr. John Love, executive director of clinical safety and infectious disease at Butler Health System, much is still unknown about Monkeypox and how it spreads throughout a region, but at this point, people should just be aware of what its signature symptom of a skin rash looks like and how it is transmitted via skin to skin contact.

“It's about awareness, making our staff and providers aware of illness because it is different,” Love said. “I don't know how many cases to expect, if at-risk demographics will change, I don't know yet. If we have the right processes in place and right safeguards, we can make small changes and pivot.”

Eagle staff writer Eddie Trizzino contributed to this report.

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