Just How Deadly is Monkeypox? Reported Death in Texas While Vaccine Production Ramps Up

On August 30, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first death of a patient with Monkeypox in Texas. The report comes while the Biden Administration puts down $11 million for new doses of monkeypox vaccines.

Related Article: EMA Announces Advice on Switch that Could Increase The Monkeypox Vaccine Supply

How Deadly Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a virus that is a part of the poxvirus family. Another virus that is part of this family is the infamous smallpox virus. Both smallpox and monkeypox have similar symptoms, namely muscle aches, a fever, low energy, and a rash. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the symptoms of monkeypox are far milder and rarely lead to death. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that monkeypox has a history fatality rate of 0%-11%, while with the recent outbreak, that range is closer to 3%-6%. In sharp contrast, the major strain of smallpox had a fatality rate of 30%. As of August 31, 5:00 PM EDT, the CDC’s data shows that there are 51,257 confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide and only 15 deaths. 

Despite the relatively low mortality rate, officials believe monkeypox is responsible for the death of a Texas Resident. In a press release published on August 30, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the death of an adult man residing in Harris County. According to the report, the unidentified patient was ‘severely immunocompromised,’ and monkeypox’s role in his death is under investigation. 

Meanwhile, the Biden Administration recently provided $11 million for the production of vaccines for monkeypox. 

The Biden Administration Bolsters Monkeypox Response

On August 29, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced they came to an agreement with Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM) to manufacture and deliver the vaccine JYNNEOS.

JYNNEOS, a vaccine designed to prevent smallpox, received an Emergency Use Authorization for the prevention of monkeypox in early August. Gram intends to utilize the $11 million granted by the Biden Administration to fill and finish manufacturing doses of the vaccines. 

On the deal, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “This new agreement solidifies a domestic manufacturing capability that will bring us more vaccine sooner to end this outbreak.”

The deal’s announcement came just the day before officials reported the death in Texas. With the continued efforts to roll out effective vaccines, hopefully, it will be one of the last. 

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Author

Max Heirich