California, Oregon seek more monkeypox vaccine

California and Oregon are among states seeking additional monkeypox vaccines from the federal government. California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon called on the federal government to declare a public emergency.

Oregon State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said the state wants to "be able to move into a more preventive posture" as more vaccines become available. Los Angeles County reported 120 confirmed cases of monkeypox as well as Oregon has confirmed 32 cases in the state. Both states emphasized outreach strategies for communities most at risk. U.S. health officials announced Friday that more than 100,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine are on the way to states. They also acknowledged that vaccine supply hasn't been keeping up with the demand seen in New York, California and some other places. Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Africa, where people have been infected through bites from rodents or small animals. It does not usually spread easily among people.

Experts believe the case numbers are undercounts. People with monkeypox may experience fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. Many in the outbreak have developed zit-like bumps on many parts of the body. No one has died, and the illness has been relatively mild in many men.