Mpox Emergency Prompts Vaccine, Sweden Reports its First Case

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to a significant increase in Mpox cases in Africa. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was declared a global emergency in July 2022 after the disease spread to over 70 countries, resulting in over 99,000 cases and more than 200 deaths between 2022 and 2023. The emergency status was lifted in May 2023 due to a significant decline in cases and the increased availability of vaccines. 

However, the recent rapid spread and detection in new regions contributed to the emergency declaration. The outbreaks involve two distinct strains: clade 1a, endemic in northwestern DRC, and clade 1b, which is spreading rapidly in northeastern DRC and neighbouring countries. Both strains spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and present similar symptoms, including flu-like symptoms and rashes.

Sweden’s public health agency reported the first confirmed case of this new strain outside Africa. The patient, who contracted the virus in Africa, is receiving treatment in Stockholm, according to Forbes. 

The WHO is implementing a comprehensive response strategy, including providing testing equipment, supporting laboratories, and training health workers. According to Axios, shares for Bavarian Nordic, the maker of an Mpox vaccine, surged by over 12% on Friday following the World Health Organization’s declaration. Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine, available under the brand names Jynneos, Imvamune, and Imvanex, is among the few approved for Mpox and is favoured by healthcare providers for its favourable risk profile.