MPox Spreads Throughout Asia

Reports are circulating that mpox, the newly branded version of monkeypox, has been spreading across Asia. The World Health Organization declared mpox an epidemic in mid-August, with the initial outbreak affecting African nations. While the WHO believes this is “not the new COVID,” demand for vaccinations is on the rise.

The Philippines is reporting a 68% rise in cases. Japan has pledged “the largest donation to date” by providing the WHO with three million doses of the mpox vaccine. “Vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are crucial for bringing mpox outbreaks under control. We urge countries with available supplies to come forward to help save lives and prevent further infections,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared. Around 5,700 cases have been reported to the organization so far.

Who is creating the latest vaccination? Japan will provide a version developed by KM Biologics Co in Kumamoto. The WHO has also approved the MVA-BN vaccine by Bavarian Nordic A/S produced in Denmark. The UK has purchased 150,000 doses of the Bavarian Nordic vaccination. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an mpox vaccine named JYNNEOS for emergency use, but the CDC is only recommending this vaccine for those who work with orthopoxviruses.

Governments in developed nations are stating that the risk of contracting mpox remains low. “While the risk of catching mpox in the UK is low, vaccination offers a vital level of protection for those most likely to be exposed. We encourage those eligible to come forward when invited by local health services, to ensure they have the best defence,” NHS England commented on the matter.

So, while it does not seem that mpox will be the next pandemic, the push for increased vaccinations has moved beyond Africa. Our disease cycle shows there will undoubtedly be an uptick in 2026, but mpox is NOT likely to be the culprit.