Travelers planning to visit areas affected by mpox in Africa are advised to consider getting vaccinated, according to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This recommendation follows recent outbreaks of a new strain of the virus, with potential cases expected to appear in other continents, including Europe.
Despite the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of mpox as a global health emergency, the ECDC notes that the overall risk of widespread transmission remains low.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
For those previously vaccinated against mpox, a single booster dose may be sufficient rather than the full two-shot series.
Regular booster doses are recommended every two to ten years for individuals at ongoing risk of exposure.
Recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly involving the Clade 1b variant, have resulted in at least 450 deaths.
Clade 1b is noted for potentially spreading more easily and causing more severe illness.
ECDC expert Pamela Rendi-Wagner stated, “Due to the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the risk level 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 more imported Clade 1 cases.”
Although no cases of Clade 1b mpox have been confirmed in the UK, there are concerns about potential spread if international measures are not taken.
A case was recently identified in Sweden, linked to travel to an affected area in Africa.
The ECDC urges public health authorities to prepare for swift detection and response to any future cases in Europe.
The current mpox outbreak differs from the 2022 emergency, which involved a milder strain known as Clade 2.
Despite available vaccines, distribution remains insufficient to meet current needs.
