Countries with MPOX Cases: Updated Travel Advisory List
The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice following the declaration of an mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed alarm over the rising number of mpox cases reported in Africa. Mpox is an infection caused by the mpox virus, which has two distinct strains. Clade 1 mpox is associated with a higher risk of severe illness or death compared to Clade 2, according to Travel Health Pro, a division of the Foreign Office.
In May 2022, a global outbreak of Clade 2 mpox primarily affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. This outbreak highlighted the need for increased vigilance and awareness of the disease. Prior to 2024, Clade 1 mpox had only been reported in five countries in central Africa. However, recent cases in additional countries within central and east Africa signify the first geographical expansion of its range, raising concerns about potential spread beyond the region.
Recent updates from Travel Health Pro on September 5 included a list of countries affected by the Clade 1 mpox strain. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported its highest number of suspected and confirmed cases of Clade 1 mpox on record in 2023, with continued high case numbers in 2024. Additionally, confirmed cases of Clade 1 mpox have emerged for the first time in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with some cases linked to the DRC. Sweden and Thailand have reported confirmed cases in travelers with connections to countries involved in the current Clade 1 outbreak.
As of August 22, 2024, countries in central and east Africa where Clade 1 cases have been reported include DRC, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Gabon. Countries at risk of Clade 1 mpox exposure, based on their proximity to the DRC, include Angola, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Symptoms and Management of MPOX
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, skin rash, and pus-filled lesions lasting two to four weeks. The disease can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated material. Person-to-person spread can occur through direct contact with skin lesions, clothing, or linens used by someone with mpox.
Early symptoms of mpox include high temperature, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands, and exhaustion. A rash or pus-filled lesions typically appear 1 to 5 days after the initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and anus.
Travel Advice for MPOX
Travel Health Pro advises travelers to check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for updated travel advice, including information on entry requirements, safety, and security. It is crucial to stay informed about vaccination recommendations, malaria risks, and other health considerations before traveling. Pregnant individuals and those who are immunosuppressed are at higher risk of severe infection and should seek specific guidance.
Before departure, travelers should review their travel health insurance and ensure they are fit to travel. While the UK does not currently recommend pre-travel vaccination for mpox, it is essential to stay updated on any changes in vaccination recommendations. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continuously reviews data on the current outbreak and adjusts vaccination recommendations accordingly.
Reducing the Risk of MPOX
To minimize the risk of mpox infection while traveling, individuals should take precautions such as reducing touch or sexual contact, washing hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer, avoiding contact with potentially contaminated items, and refraining from consuming bushmeat or products derived from wild animals. Additional guidance is available for specific populations, such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and individuals living with HIV.
Upon returning from an mpox-affected country, travelers with new symptoms should seek advice from port or border staff. If symptoms develop within 21 days of returning to the UK, individuals should isolate at home and contact NHS 111 for further guidance, disclosing their travel history. Current advice on mpox is available on the NHS website.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As the mpox outbreak continues to pose a global health threat, it is essential for travelers to stay informed, follow recommended precautions, and seek appropriate medical assistance if needed. By understanding the risks associated with mpox and taking proactive measures to reduce exposure, individuals can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect their health and well-being. Remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of others while traveling to affected regions.