The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its travel health advice, recommending that individuals planning to visit areas in Africa affected by mpox consider getting vaccinated. This update comes in response to recent outbreaks of a new strain of the virus, known as Clade 1b, which has led to a rise in cases and fatalities.
The ECDC’s latest guidance follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of mpox as a global emergency. Despite this, the ECDC assesses the risk of widespread mpox across continents, including Europe, as low. However, they emphasize preparedness due to the ongoing outbreaks in Africa, where the disease has claimed at least 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. This includes physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, touching items like clothing or bedding used by someone with the virus, and exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person. The disease causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.
For those who have previously been vaccinated against mpox, a booster dose may be sufficient rather than the full two-shot regimen. Boosters are generally advised every two to ten years, depending on ongoing risk factors.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC noted the need for heightened vigilance: “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 connections between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for potential cases of Clade 1b in Europe.”
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, but experts warn that without international action, cases could spread. A recent case was reported in Sweden, where an individual contracted mpox during travel to an affected region in Africa.
The ECDC’s updated advice follows a previous public health emergency declared in 2022, which was associated with a milder strain, Clade 2. As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay informed and consider vaccination if traveling to regions experiencing mpox outbreaks.
