Officials in San Francisco have declared a public health emergency due to a spike in monkeypox cases.

The office of Mayor London Breed stated in a press release that the proclamation, which will take effect on Monday, will boost the city's preparedness and reactions and expedite and streamline the use of existing resources to combat the virus.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has confirmed more than 260 cases of monkeypox, accounting for about a third of the over 800 cases in California, according to the announcement.

Breed stated that San Francisco's COVID experience proved that swift action is necessary to preserve public health. "We are aware that this virus affects everyone equally, but that the LGBTQ community is currently at increased danger. Many members of our LGBTQ community are fearful and angry. This local emergency will allow us to continue assisting our most vulnerable population members while also better planning for the future."

The virus is growing most rapidly among men who engage in sexual activity with other guys, but it can infect anyone with prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected man.

This week, the city is set to get more than 4,200 doses of vaccination against monkeypox after receiving 12,000 doses thus far. Initially, though, the town had requested 35,000 dosages.

According to the announcement, San Francisco has been attempting to expand the implementation of testing, treatment, and vaccination distribution but lacks sufficient vaccine resources.

"Our COVID-19 response has taught us that it is imperative that we mobilize city resources," said Grant Colfax, director of health. "The declaration helps us ensure we have all the tools available to augment our outreach, testing and treatment, especially to the LGBTQ+ who remain at highest risk for Monkeypox."

The department of public health is reaching out to communities to raise awareness about the virus and the city's response and to ensure that professionals are knowledgeable about testing and care for the infection.