As mpox cases rise following an increase in Africa, travelers might be apprehensive regarding their health. The disease, previously known as monkeypox, has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations. Recently, Sweden reported its first case outside of Africa.

The circulating variant in these regions is identified as clade I, which differs from clade II that has been present in the U.S. since a global outbreak occurred in 2022. A new variant, clade Ib, is noted for being potentially more transmissible and lethal. The World Health Organization has classified mpox as a global public health emergency for the second time within two years.

However, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, suggests that travelers should not be overly worried. “I think they ought to note this,” he stated, “but I don’t know that they should be worried about it.”

Understanding mpox

Mpox is endemic to certain areas of Central and West Africa according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Transmission typically occurs through contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids from infected wild animals (either alive or dead) or humans—including respiratory secretions—or via contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. The virus can also spread through intimate contact.

Common symptoms include headache, muscle aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

This year alone, over 2,800 confirmed cases have emerged across at least a dozen African countries experiencing outbreaks, resulting in more than 500 deaths as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Suspected cases exceed 17,000 throughout the continent.

Should travelers worry about mpox?

Dr. Schaffner advises that individuals traveling to African nations where mpox is prevalent should consider vaccination due to the \”highly communicable\” nature of this new strain. The CDC currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for the DRC and neighboring countries urging travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.”

He added that if traveling elsewhere at this time, there’s essentially no risk involved.

Recently in Thailand, an mpox case was detected involving a European man arriving from Africa; test results are pending to identify the strain involved.

While clade II cases observed in the U.S. have largely affected men who have sex with men—though anyone can contract it—Schaffner pointed out that clade I cases emerging in Africa seem to have a broader distribution among populations.

How can travelers safeguard their health?

Travelers vaccinated against mpox during the 2022 outbreak do not require a booster shot at this stage; Schaffner indicated that their protection remains effective.

The CDC further advises those visiting the DRC or surrounding countries to avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of mpox as well as wild animals like rats and monkeys—both living and deceased.

Visitors should also refrain from consuming meat or products derived from wild animals—including lotions and creams—and steer clear of contaminated items. According to Schaffner, hotel linens are safe if they are properly cleaned.

Anyone developing a \”new, unexplained skin rash\” should seek medical attention immediately.

Experts anticipate additional spread of mpox into other countries; therefore, Dr. Schaffner recommends that travelers keep informed on any developments regarding this situation.

“The world is a very small place,” he remarked. “These viruses travel with us; they don’t need passports.”