FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he will not declare a public health emergency over the monkeypox outbreak despite more than 500 cases in the state. At the same time, Florida Surgeon General Joe Lapado reminded the public that the efficacy of the Jynneos vaccine now being given out as protection from monkeypox remains uncertain.
California, New York and Illinois have all declared a state of emergency over the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak. The declaration often helps with the logistics and coordination between state and local departments working to respond to the emergency.
At a news briefing in Brevard County on Wednesday, DeSantis said he doesn’t believe such a move is necessary, nor does he think Floridians should be fearful of monkeypox.
