As mpox cases increase following a rise in Africa, many travelers are feeling anxious about their health.

The condition, which was previously known as monkeypox, has seen a spike in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other nations in Africa. Recently, the first case outside of Africa was reported in Sweden.

The circulating strain, referred to as clade I, differs from clade II, which has been recorded in the U.S. since the global outbreak in 2022. Additionally, a new variant named clade Ib appears to spread more easily and is more lethal. The World Health Organization has labeled mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.

However, travelers don’t need to be overly alarmed at this time.

Dr. William Schaffner, a specialist in infectious diseases and professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, advised YSL News, “While travelers should be aware, I don’t think there’s any need for worry.”

Understanding mpox

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mpox is endemic in certain regions of Central and West Africa.

The CDC explains, “Transmission often occurs through contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected wild animals in Africa (living or deceased) or infected humans, including respiratory droplets. Infection can also happen via objects that have been contaminated with the virus like bedding, clothing, and sex toys.” Close contact during sexual activities can also lead to infection.

Common symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

This year, over 2,800 confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported across at least a dozen African countries experiencing outbreaks, as noted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, there are over 17,000 suspected cases throughout the continent.

Should travelers be concerned about mpox?

For travelers heading to African nations where mpox is spreading, Schaffner suggests getting vaccinated due to the “highly communicable” nature of the new strain. The CDC has issued a Level 2 advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding regions, advising travelers to “take enhanced precautions.”

He further stated, “Currently, there’s virtually no risk for those traveling elsewhere.”

In Thailand, a case of mpox was found in a European man who had recently traveled from Africa, with tests pending to determine the strain, a health official reported on Wednesday.

While clade II cases in the U.S. have mainly affected men who have sex with men, Schaffner noted that clade I cases observed in Africa seem to be “more widely spread.”

How can travelers safeguard their health?

The CDC advises travelers to the DRC or nearby countries to avoid close contact with individuals displaying mpox symptoms and with wild animals such as rats, squirrels, and monkeys—whether alive or dead.

Visitors should also stay away from meat or products made from wild animals, including assorted creams, lotions, and powder products, and avoid materials that may be contaminated. Schaffner emphasized that linens and bedding from hotels are safe, as long as they have been “properly laundered.”

Travelers who develop a “new, unexplained skin rash” should seek medical attention immediately.

Experts in infectious diseases anticipate further dissemination of mpox to other countries, and travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the situation.

“The world is very interconnected,” Schaffner remarked. “These viruses travel with us, without needing passports.”

Contributions: Pararat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters