By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Health Officials Recommend Precautionary Measures for International Travel
Travelers are being advised to consider getting vaccinated against mpox if they plan to visit regions in Africa affected by recent outbreaks, according to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The recommendation comes in response to the spread of a new strain of the virus, with the ECDC warning that while the risk of widespread transmission remains low, cases could emerge in other continents, including Europe.
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declaring the mpox situation a global emergency, the ECDC maintains that the likelihood of global spread is minimal. The disease, previously known as monkeypox, can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual.
For those who have already been vaccinated against mpox, a single booster dose may suffice, as opposed to the standard two shot regimen. Booster doses are generally recommended every two to ten years for individuals who remain at risk of exposure.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported at least 450 deaths linked to a new subtype of the virus, Clade 1b, in recent months.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox can spread from person to person through:
- Close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
- Touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with mpox.
- Coughs or sneezes from an infected person in close proximity.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal in some cases.
Experts are still investigating Clade 1b, but early indications suggest it may be more easily transmissible and potentially more severe.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC stated, "Due to the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, the ECDC has increased the risk level for the general population in the EU/EEA and for travelers to affected areas. Given the close ties between Europe and Africa, we must prepare for the possibility of more imported Clade 1 cases."
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, though experts warn that cases could emerge if global action is not taken. A case has been detected in Sweden after an individual contracted the virus during a stay in an affected area in Africa.
The ECDC has recommended that public health authorities prepare for the rapid detection of any additional cases that may reach Europe. The previous mpox public health emergency, declared in 2022, involved a different, milder strain known as Clade 2.
Despite the existence of effective vaccines, there remains a significant shortfall in the distribution of doses to regions most in need.
