Health Headlines: Mpox Vaccinations, Oropouche Virus, and New Vaccine Approvals

Current health news highlights Nigeria's mpox vaccination start, FDA's approval of Novavax's updated COVID vaccine, WHO's delivery of mpox vaccines to DR Congo, UNICEF's emergency tender for mpox vaccines, and fake cows at US fairs amid bird flu. Additional updates include new Oropouche virus spread in Cuba, a new study on women's cardiovascular risks, and a $300 million opioid settlement with US drug distributors.

Nigeria is set to begin mpox vaccinations from October 8, following regulatory approvals. The country recently received 10,000 doses of the vaccine from the U.S. Agency for International Development. This comes as Nigeria confirms 40 mpox cases, with no fatalities reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized an updated COVID-19 vaccine by Novavax targeting the JN.1 strain. The new vaccine is available for individuals aged 12 and older under emergency use authorization.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization announced that mpox vaccines would be arriving within days to combat a new strain of the virus.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for crisis-hit countries in collaboration with various health organizations. Up to 12 million doses could be produced through 2025.

Meanwhile, dairy fairs in Michigan are featuring fiberglass cows amid a bird flu threat, as dairy workers and herds have been affected by the disease.

The FDA has also expanded approval for Emergent BioSolutions' smallpox vaccine for high-risk mpox infection. This is the second approved mpox vaccine in the U.S. after Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos.

In legal news, the three largest U.S. drug distributors have reached a $300 million settlement to resolve claims that they contributed to the opioid crisis.

Cuba is battling the spread of the Oropouche virus with fumigation efforts in Havana, facing challenges from a rainy season, fuel shortages, and trash heaps.

A new study suggests that blood tests in women's 30s can estimate their heart disease risk, potentially changing guidelines for preventive medications.

Bird flu has spread to dairy cows in California, adding to the national outbreak that has affected 190 herds since March.

(With inputs from agencies.)