The federal government declared a public health emergency Thursday to bolster the response to the monkeypox outbreak that has infected more than 7,100 Americans. The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which may cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts of the body.

“We are prepared to take our responses to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously,” said Xavier Becerra of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The move follows criticism of the Biden administration over monkeypox vaccine availability. Clinics in cities like New York and San Francisco say they haven’t received enough of the two-shot vaccine to meet demand, and some have had to stop offering the second dose to ensure supply of first doses.