Travellers advised to consider mpox vaccine

Travellers are now being advised to consider getting vaccinated against mpox if they plan to visit areas in Africa where the disease is currently spreading. This new guidance comes from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, known as the ECDC. They have updated their recommendations due to recent outbreaks of a new strain of the virus. The ECDC has also indicated that other regions, including Europe, may see some cases as well. This is particularly significant as the World Health Organization has recently declared the mpox situation a global emergency. Mpox, which was previously referred to as monkeypox, can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual. For those who have received the mpox vaccine in the past, it may only be necessary to get one booster dose instead of the usual two. Typically, booster vaccinations are recommended every two to ten years for individuals who remain at risk of exposure. In recent months, mpox has resulted in the deaths of at least 450 individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, linked to a new variant known as Clade 1b. Mpox can be transmitted from person to person in several ways. This includes any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, which can occur during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or even holding hands. It can also spread through touching clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by someone infected with mpox. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person when they are in close proximity to others. The disease typically causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal for some individuals. Experts have noted that there is still much to learn about the Clade 1b variant, but it appears to be spreading more easily and causing more severe illness. Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC stated, 'Due to the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, the ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and for travellers to affected areas. ' She emphasized the importance of being prepared for more imported cases of Clade 1 due to the close connections between Europe and Africa. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, but experts warn that without international action, cases could spread. A case of mpox has also been identified in Sweden after an individual became infected during a visit to an area in Africa where the disease is prevalent. The ECDC is recommending that public health authorities prepare for the quick detection of any additional cases that may reach Europe. A previous public health emergency related to mpox was declared in 2022, caused by a different, milder strain known as Clade 2. Despite the availability of effective vaccines against mpox, there is a concerning shortage of doses reaching the areas where they are most needed.