Global health emergency declared by World Health Organization as a new mpox strain emerges.

‍

Mpox, a once-rare viral infection, has broken free from its traditional confines in Central and West Africa, erupting into an alarming global threat. Over 13 African nations are now grappling with the disease, and Congo is facing a particularly deadly new strain that is spreading faster than before. 

‍

With cases skyrocketing by 160% and deaths increasing by 19%, the World Health Organization had no choice but to declare a global health emergency.

‍

This new version of mpox, known as clade Ib, is causing particular concern due to its ease of transmission through close contact, including sexual contact. The virus has now spread from Congo to neighboring countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. 

‍

In the midst of this crisis, biotech companies are stepping in to provide crucial support. Danish firm Bavarian Nordic pledged 40,000 doses of its mpox vaccine to Africa's top health body, a move that led to a significant surge in its stock, jumping by over 22%. Similarly, U.S.-based SIGA Technologies saw its stock shoot up over 28% but recent study showed improvement only for those recently exposed to disease and those extremely ill - not all patients. This is causing a drop in the stock today.