Public health officials in North Carolina have confirmed the presence of Clade I Mpox viral particles in wastewater samples, marking the first such detection in the state and prompting increased attention from biotechnology researchers and vaccine developers.
The discovery, revealed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, underscores growing concerns about the potential spread of a more dangerous Mpox variant. Clade I Mpox is considered more transmissible and has a higher case fatality rate compared to the previously documented Clade II strain, with only four confirmed cases reported nationwide to date.
GeoVax Labs, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is responding to this emerging public health challenge by accelerating development of its GEO-MVA vaccine. The company views this detection as a critical signal for enhanced vaccine preparedness and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, emphasized the significance of early viral detection, stating that wastewater monitoring serves as a crucial early warning system for potential viral transmission. The company is positioning its vaccine candidate as a strategic complement to the current limited global Mpox vaccine supply, which currently relies on a single overseas manufacturer.
The vaccine development effort aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, which have urged governments to diversify vaccine sources and strengthen domestic production capabilities. GeoVax has completed cGMP manufacturing of GEO-MVA and anticipates initiating clinical trials in the second half of 2025.
The detection in North Carolina highlights the importance of continued investment in viral surveillance infrastructure. The state's Wastewater Monitoring Network played a pivotal role in identifying the viral particles, yet proposed federal funding cuts could potentially compromise such critical early detection systems.
As the United States confronts the potential spread of a more virulent Mpox strain, the development of domestic vaccine capabilities represents a significant step toward enhancing national biosecurity and pandemic preparedness. GeoVax's efforts underscore the ongoing need for proactive medical research and flexible response strategies in confronting emerging viral threats.
