Mpox Update (South Africa): The health department says lab-confirmed mpox cases rose from 18 to 22, with 18 in the Western Cape and new imported infections including a German and a Norwegian citizen; authorities are stepping up contact tracing and enhanced surveillance. Funding for Cancer Trial (Germany): ViferaXS secured up to €12M to advance a leukemia program after early immune-response results in a Phase 1 study, with a Phase 2 randomized trial planned. Airbase Incident (Germany): An F-16 assigned to the US Air Force crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base; the pilot ejected and received medical attention, and the cause is under investigation. Environmental Health (Border region): Firefighters used PFAS-contaminated water to fight an illegal waste-plant blaze in Gelderland; the local council says drinking water is not expected to be affected. Digital Health & Safety Tech (Germany): ToolKitX promoted cloud HSE software and “permit to work” tools aimed at centralizing incident management, audits, risk assessments, and field reporting. EU Regulation Push: 13 EU countries, including Germany, urged von der Leyen to pause new rules for a year and focus on simplifying and implementing existing legislation. COPD Care Shift (Europe): ERS 2026 experts argue COPD exacerbations need more precision than broad “rescue” treatment, highlighting viral triggers and inflammation.