Emergent Health Alerts: Mpox Crisis, At-Home Syphilis Tests, and Global Health Updates

Current health news highlights include Bavarian Nordic seeking EU approval for adolescent mpox vaccine, US FDA's approval of first at-home syphilis test, a global mpox emergency declaration by WHO, and a polio case in Gaza. Additionally, Germany urges mpox vaccines for Africa, and Pakistan and EU raise mpox alerts amid new strain detection.

Current health news brings urgent updates on multiple fronts. Bavarian Nordic has submitted data for EU approval to extend their mpox and smallpox vaccine to adolescents aged 12-17 years. Recognized as a global public health emergency by the WHO, this expansion aims to protect vulnerable youth.

In the U.S., the FDA has approved the first at-home over-the-counter test for syphilis, developed by NOWDiagnostics. The antibody test can identify current or past infection within 15 minutes, potentially elevating screening rates for the sexually transmitted disease.

Additionally, the WHO's re-declaration of mpox as a global health emergency highlights the gravity of the situation. The virus, which spreads through close contact, poses significant risks, especially to children and adolescents. Furthermore, the Palestinian health ministry reported its first polio case in Gaza, involving an unvaccinated 10-month-old baby.

With global health in focus, Germany's top infection expert has emphasized that the best use of available mpox vaccine supplies would be in Africa, where the virus is most prevalently spreading. This comes as Pakistan confirms a new mpox infection, and the EU raises its alert level following a new strain's emergence in Sweden.

The WHO, along with global partners, is striving to avoid past failures seen with COVID-19 by ensuring equitable access to mpox treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics. Meanwhile, the U.S. CDC has issued a health alert about the Oropouche virus's spread in the Americas, following two fatalities this year due to insect-borne disease. Lastly, Repligen is considering the acquisition of Maravai LifeSciences, which could reshape drug manufacturing supply chains.

(With inputs from agencies.)