Gavi Recent outbreaks of mpox have highlighted the global threat posed by this virus. Historically an infection that circulated in animals and only occasionally affected humans, mpox is increasingly spreading from person to person through close contact, causing a painful rash, fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Depending on the strain, it can be deadly in up to 10% of cases.
So far, two vaccines have been recommended by the World Health Organization to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of mpox. These are currently being deployed in several countries in Africa, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.