MPOXED

Europe’s new four-year joint procurement of up to eight million MVA-BN mpox/smallpox vaccine doses marks a long-overdue shift toward serious orthopoxvirus preparedness. With clade Ib emerging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and evidence of local transmission among European sexual networks, the assumption that mpox was a contained 2022 event is no longer credible. The European Commission is right to treat mpox as a high-priority threat, especially given partial vaccine protection, ongoing therapeutic gaps, and rising monthly case numbers. Predictable stockpiles, targeted vaccination, and HERA-supported immunogenicity studies are essential steps—provided they are matched with sustained political attention and funding.

Chicago’s successful containment of its mpox outbreak shows what rapid, community-focused public health action can accomplish. After a 374% rise in cases since June and clear concentration in LGBTQ+ networks, the city activated an incident command structure, expanded vaccination access, and intensified outreach. With cases now averaging one or fewer per day, the immediate threat is low — but complacency would be premature. Most infections occurred among unvaccinated individuals, and nearly a quarter involved people living with HIV. Continued vigilance, full two-dose vaccination, and accessible clinics remain essential to preventing a resurgence and protecting Chicago’s most impacted communities.

A new study in Nature Communications has provided key insights into mpox pathogenesis, showing that clade IIb infections produce milder disease in mice than clade IIa, due to faster viral clearance and stronger immune responses. This mouse model mirrors human infection patterns, offering a valuable tool for developing antivirals and vaccines. The research underscores how viral clade differences shape disease outcomes and transmission dynamics. As mpox cases rise again in Africa, with clade Ib driving the latest emergency, the findings highlight an urgent need for continued investment in next-generation vaccines, improved surveillance, and research bridging laboratory discoveries to public health action.

Europe is now contending with the spread of the more virulent clade 1b mpox variant, a strain with fatality rates reaching 10 percent in children. The emergence of cases across ten European nations underscores a broader failure to deliver vaccines to African regions where the disease remains endemic. Experts have warned that delayed vaccination campaigns created the conditions for the virus to reemerge globally. While the European Commission has since secured up to eight million doses from Bavarian Nordic, the damage reveals a critical lesson: global health security depends on equitable prevention, not reactionary containment after predictable spread.

The recent rise in mpox cases in Mecklenburg County is a reminder that vigilance remains essential even when overall risk is low. Seven new cases in November mark the highest monthly total in over a year, reflecting similar trends across other U.S. cities. Health officials are urging vaccination, emphasizing its protection against both Clade I and II strains and its role in preventing severe illness. As the county offers accessible vaccination clinics and walk-in services, community awareness and early prevention remain the strongest defenses. Continued public engagement and proactive health measures will help prevent small flare-ups from becoming larger threats.

Mpox remains a concern in New York City, where October saw 63 confirmed cases, the highest monthly count this year. Health officials report that most infections are among individuals who are unvaccinated or have not completed the two-dose JYNNEOS series. Experts emphasize that vaccination greatly reduces disease severity, even in breakthrough cases. Despite rising numbers, there is no evidence of a new, more dangerous strain circulating in the state. Public health advocates stress vigilance and vaccination rather than alarm. Continuing vaccination and awareness efforts remain the city’s best defense to prevent another major outbreak like the one in 2022.

The rise in mpox cases in King County this September serves as a timely reminder that the virus has not disappeared. With 46 new infections reported—the highest in three years—health officials urge continued vigilance and vaccination. While the general public remains at low risk, summer gatherings and intimate contact likely fueled the spike. Free vaccines are widely available at local clinics and pharmacies and remain the best protection against severe illness. As health authorities monitor signs of the more virulent clade I strain nearby, community awareness, vaccination, and safer behavior are essential to prevent future outbreaks and sustain local progress.

The European Union’s new joint procurement contract with Bavarian Nordic marks a major step in strengthening Europe’s pandemic preparedness. Covering up to 8 million doses of the MVA-BN vaccine for mpox and smallpox, the four-year deal builds on lessons from COVID-19 by emphasizing shared stockpiles and coordinated response. With 20 countries participating, the contract ensures equitable access, cost efficiency, and rapid deployment during future outbreaks. Led by HERA, the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to collective health security and reduced dependency on fragmented national strategies, reinforcing Europe’s ability to respond decisively to cross-border biological threats.

Roughly one-third of Japan’s donated LC16 mpox vaccine doses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are going to waste due to storage and handling challenges. Each vial contains 250 doses that must be used within hours once mixed, leaving little flexibility for low-turnout vaccination sessions. Despite this loss, over half a million people have been immunized, and cases in Congo are declining. The situation highlights the logistical difficulties of delivering complex vaccines in regions with fragile infrastructure and instability. Improving cold-chain systems, community mobilization, and flexible vaccination strategies will be essential to ensure that future donations reach those most in need.