Health Crisis Highlights: Mpox Spread, Oropouche Cases, and More

UN agencies are concerned about the rapid spread of mpox in Congo's refugee camps. Congo seeks 2 million mpox vaccines from Japan and Spain pledges 500,000 doses. The virus is mutating quickly, complicating containment. Additionally, the US CDC reports Oropouche virus cases, and Delaware's top court will review Zantac lawsuits among other health news.

UN agencies have raised alarms over the spread of mpox in Democratic Republic of Congo's refugee camps, citing depleted immune systems and crowded living conditions as accelerating factors. With over 7 million displaced individuals, Congo faces one of the highest global displacement rates.

The Congolese government has requested at least 2 million doses of the mpox vaccine from Japan, a fact recently confirmed by senior health officials. Spain has committed to donating 500,000 doses to combat the outbreak, urging the European Commission to follow suit.

Scientists are battling a rapidly changing mpox strain with limited resources, making outbreak containment efforts difficult. Meanwhile, the US CDC has reported 21 Oropouche virus cases among American travelers returning from Cuba as of August 16. Delaware's highest court will hear an appeal to end Zantac lawsuits, and Eli Lilly has launched affordable weight-loss drug Zepbound. Pfizer and CVS Health's Aetna are also making strategic moves to enhance healthcare access.

(With inputs from agencies.)