On August 14, 2024, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of Mpox in Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the same level of alert issued for the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2023. News of the outbreak has quickly spread throughout mainstream and social media and has raised concern in the population.
Read today’s Bug’s Blog to learn what you need to know about the current Mpox outbreak in Africa and hopefully put your mind at ease.
What is Mpox?
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a highly contagious infection caused by the monkeypox virus which is related to smallpox. Mpox was first discovered in 1958 and is endemic (native) to Central Africa, primarily found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Why Did the WHO Declare a Public Health Emergency?
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the highest level of alert that can be issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO last declared a PHEIC for a global Mpox outbreak in 2022-2023, which included thousands of cases in the US.
The current alert was prompted by the rapid spread of Mpox with over 16,800 cases reported in the DRC since January 2024. The outbreak includes a more dangerous strain, Clade I, which has a higher fatality rate. The disease has also spread to neighboring countries and a few cases outside Africa.
Symptoms and Transmission of Mpox
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and a blistering rash that often starts on the face. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected animals or humans, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials. Immunocompromised individuals and the very young are more likely to have a severe or life threatening infection.
The global outbreak in 2022 was primarily sexually transmitted among men who have sex with men and close contacts of infected people. Currently, transmission in Africa is occurring more frequently from close contact without sexual activity and within households. There is continued risk from contact with bush meat and infected animals.
Risk and Prevention for Travelers to Africa
For most short-term travelers on safari trips, the risk of Mpox remains low. Despite the large number of cases in the DRC, there have been relatively few cases in surrounding countries that are popular tourist destinations.
Travelers should avoid sexual or close contact with infected persons, handling bush meat, and contact with rodents or other infected animals. The Jynneos vaccine, available through county health departments in the U.S., provides protection against Mpox and is recommended for those in high-risk groups.
Will Mpox Become a Widespread Pandemic Like COVID-19?
Very Unlikely. Mpox does have the potential for further spread, but transmission remains mostly through intimate and close contact, unlike COVID-19 which is easily transmitted through the air. More than a million people in the US have already been vaccinated against Mpox and the members of the high-risk community I’ve encountered are more educated and prepared.
What Does TravelBug Say About Mpox?
- For now, there’s no need to panic.
- Stay cautious and practice safe behaviors, especially when traveling abroad.
- Mpox remains a serious threat in Africa where the virus is endemic and the population has less access to medical resources including vaccines, but Mpox is unlikely to cause global disruption like COVID-19.
- Get vaccinated for Mpox if you are at high risk.
- Seek out reliable medical information and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.
