Can mpox impact your travel plans? Here’s what you need to know Can mpox impact your travel plans? Here’s what you need to know

Mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 14 August 2024.

This comes after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported a large spike in cases in the country, with 16,000 people contracting the viral illness since the beginning of the year.

The reason for the spread is said to be caused by a new strain of the disease, named Clade 1b. Cases have now been reported outside the DRC is 13 African counties, but also outside of the continent in Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Pakistan.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of ECDC, said: “As a result of the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travellers to affected areas.

“Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported clade I cases,” she said.

Despite stating that Europe is likely to see more imported cases, the ECDC have emphasised that the risk of high transmission of mpox to the continent remains low.

WHO are working with Member States and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks of mpox. This is the second time mpox has been declared a public health emergency, the first time being in 2022.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a transmittable virus related to smallpox, but is often far less severe. That said, some strains can lead to fatalities.

It is caught by having close contact with an infected person or animal, such as skin-to-skin contact, but can be caught through contaminated surfaces such as bedsheets and clothing. It can enter the body through ears, eyes and mouth, broken skin and from breathing.

Early symptoms of mpox often include fever, muscle aches, headaches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes and chills.

One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of mpox is a skin rash and mucosal lesions. The rash can be extremely painful and itchy, and go through changes before scabbing over, then eventually falling off the skin.

Mpox symptoms are said to usually last between 2-4 weeks.

Is it safe to visit Africa?

“It’s important to stay up to date with the latest reports if you’re travelling to Africa, but not all of the area is a high-risk zone,” says Andre Van Kets, founder of safari tour operator Discover Africa.

“Health risks during travel are a global concern. Africa, like any region, faces its share of challenges. Still, responsible travel practices and adherence to local guidelines go a long way in ensuring safe experiences.”

He continues: “Regional tour operators are committed to maintaining high safety standards and are actively collaborating with local authorities to monitor the mpox situation and help curb its spread, as revealed by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.”

Do I need an mpox vaccination before travelling?

No, a vaccination against mpox is currently not essential for general travellers. However, the ECDC have updated their advice for those visiting affected areas in Africa, stating travellers should consult health care professionals before visiting to see if they are eligible for vaccinations against mpox.

All content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional before taking action.