Travelers heading to areas in Africa affected by mpox are now advised to get vaccinated, according to new guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This recommendation comes in response to the emergence of a new strain of the virus, which has led to outbreaks in the region. The ECDC has noted that while Europe and other continents might see a limited number of cases, the overall risk of widespread transmission remains low.
This follows the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of mpox as a global emergency.
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Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person. This can include direct physical interaction with mpox blisters or scabs, as well as contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels.
The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes when in close proximity to an infected individual.
Symptoms of the disease often resemble the flu, accompanied by skin lesions, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
For those who have already been vaccinated against mpox, a single booster dose may suffice, rather than the standard two-shot regimen. It’s generally recommended that booster doses be administered every two to ten years for individuals who continue to be at risk of exposure.
Recent data from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reveals that at least 450 people have died from mpox in recent months, linked to a new strain known as Clade 1b.
Experts have expressed concern that this new variant may spread more easily and cause more severe illness than previous strains.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner of the ECDC highlighted that the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa has prompted the agency to raise the risk level for the general population in the EU/EEA, as well as for travelers to affected regions.
She emphasized the importance of preparedness, given the close ties between Europe and Africa, to prevent the importation of Clade 1 cases.
While no cases of Clade 1b mpox have been reported in the UK, experts caution that international action is necessary to prevent its spread.
Sweden has already reported a case after an individual contracted the virus during a stay in an affected area of Africa. The ECDC is urging public health authorities to be vigilant and ready to swiftly detect any additional cases that may emerge in Europe.
The ongoing mpox situation follows a previous public health emergency declared in 2022, which was caused by a different, less severe strain known as Clade 2. Although effective vaccines exist, the challenge remains in ensuring that enough doses reach the regions where they are most needed.
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