Travelers advised to consider mpox vaccination before visiting affected areas in Africa
Travelers heading to regions in Africa experiencing mpox outbreaks are advised to consider vaccination against the disease, according to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This recommendation comes in response to the emergence of a new strain of the virus.
The ECDC also notes that other continents, including Europe, may see cases as well.
Despite the World Health Organization recently declaring the mpox situation a global emergency, the ECDC assesses the risk of widespread transmission as low. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated items.
For those previously vaccinated against mpox, a single booster dose may be sufficient, rather than the two doses initially required.
Booster vaccinations are typically recommended every two to ten years for those at continued risk of exposure.
Recent outbreaks of a new mpox strain, Clade 1b, have resulted in at least 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This strain may spread more easily and cause more severe illness.
Mpox transmission occurs through:
– Close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, including during sexual contact, kissing, or holding hands
– Contact with clothing, bedding, or towels used by an infected person
– Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and in some cases, the disease can be fatal.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner of the ECDC stated, “Due to the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travelers to affected areas.
Given the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported Clade 1 cases.”
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, but international experts caution that cases could spread if global preventive measures are not implemented.
A case of mpox was recently detected in Sweden in a traveler returning from an affected area in Africa.
The ECDC advises public health authorities to enhance their preparedness for detecting any cases that may reach Europe.
A previous public health emergency declared in 2022 was due to a milder strain, Clade 2.
Despite the availability of effective vaccines, there is a shortage in reaching the areas most in need.
