U.S. public health officials are warning of a severe shortage of vaccines needed to combat a growing outbreak of Monkeypox.  

Atlanta, July 20 (RHC)-- U.S. public health officials are warning of a severe shortage of vaccines needed to combat a growing outbreak of Monkeypox.  The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed over 1,800 cases of the viral disease since it was first detected in the United States in May, although a severe shortage of test kits means the true number of cases is likely far higher. 

More than 1.5 million U.S. residents qualify for a vaccine, but so far the Biden administration has released just over 130,000 doses from a national stockpile. 

Meanwhile, Forbes reports that logistical, bureaucratic and technical errors have slowed the distribution of nearly 7 million additional doses — which could take months to arrive. 

Monkeypox isn’t fatal but can cause fever, rashes and extremely painful lesions.  It’s most often spread through close, intimate physical contact.  So far, U.S. Monkeypox cases have disproportionately affected men who have sex with men, although anyone can get the disease.