Travelers Advised to Get Mpox Vaccine Before Visiting Affected Areas in Africa

Travelers heading to regions in Africa affected by mpox are advised to consider vaccination, according to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The ECDC revised its recommendations following outbreaks of a new strain of the virus, cautioning that while the risk of widespread transmission remains low, other continents, including Europe, may still see isolated cases.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact with an infected person, including physical touch, sharing of contaminated items, or exposure to respiratory droplets from someone with the virus. Those previously vaccinated for mpox may only need a single booster dose, as opposed to two, with boosters typically recommended every two to ten years for those at ongoing risk.

Recent months have seen at least 450 deaths linked to a new variant, Clade 1b, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Experts are concerned that this variant may spread more easily and cause more severe illness, although much remains unknown about its behavior.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner of the ECDC highlighted the increased risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and for travelers to affected African regions due to the rapid spread of this outbreak. She emphasized the need for Europe to prepare for potential imported cases, given the close ties between Europe and Africa.

Although Clade 1b has not yet been confirmed in the UK, there have been cases reported in Sweden following exposure in Africa. The ECDC advises public health authorities to be ready to quickly identify and respond to any new cases that might reach Europe.

A previous mpox public health emergency in 2022 involved a different, less severe strain known as Clade 2. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, there are concerns about the limited distribution of doses to areas most in need.