GeoVax Labs Inc. (GOVX) shares experienced a surge in trading on Wednesday, following reports confirming the first mpox case in Wayne County, Michigan since 2022. The news fueled a surge in the company’s stock price, which closed the day up 47%.
According to a report from Fox Detroit, the Wayne County Health Department confirmed the mpox case in a county resident. While the specific type of the virus is still under investigation, the department clarified that no new cases of the Clade 1 type, which is currently causing an outbreak in Africa, have been identified in Wayne County. This news comes in the wake of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health emergency of international concern last week due to the recent surge in mpox cases across several countries in Africa.
The WHO Director-General highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the emergence of a new mpox clade, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in neighboring countries necessitates a coordinated international response to prevent further outbreaks and save lives. While mpox is contagious for two to four weeks, it does not spread through the air. Symptoms of mpox typically include a rash that resembles blisters on the skin, often accompanied by fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
GeoVax Labs, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in immunotherapies and vaccines, has previously published research in peer-reviewed journals suggesting its vaccines are effective in preventing mpox. This research, coupled with the current health emergency, has likely contributed to the surge in GeoVax’s stock price. The company’s focus on developing mpox vaccines positions it as a potential player in addressing the ongoing global health concern.
It’s important to note that while the stock price movement is tied to the recent mpox case and the broader global health emergency, investing in any company should be done after conducting thorough research and consulting with a financial advisor.
