Travellers planning to visit certain regions in Africa are being strongly advised to consider getting vaccinated against mpox, a disease formally known as monkeypox. This new guidance comes from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in response to recent outbreaks of a more virulent strain of the virus.
The ECDC has updated its recommendations due to the emergence of Clade 1b, a new type of mpox that has recently claimed over 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the ECDC stresses that the risk of a widespread outbreak in Europe remains low, it acknowledges that the interconnectedness of Africa and Europe could lead to more imported cases.
“Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported Clade 1 cases,” warned Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC. She further noted that, “As a result of the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travellers to affected areas.”
Mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with blisters, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread through contaminated clothing, bedding, and through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. The disease presents with flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Experts are still learning about Clade 1b, but there are concerns that it might spread more easily and cause more severe illness than previous strains. In light of these concerns, the ECDC is advising that those who have already been vaccinated against mpox may only require a single booster dose, rather than the usual two. Booster shots are typically recommended every two to ten years for individuals at ongoing risk of exposure.
Although no cases of Clade 1b have been confirmed in the UK, health authorities are on high alert. A recent case in Sweden, involving a person infected during a visit to an affected area in Africa, underscores the importance of international vigilance.
The ECDC is urging public health authorities across Europe to prepare for the rapid detection and containment of any potential cases that may arise. This call to action follows a previous mpox public health emergency in 2022, which was linked to a different, milder strain known as Clade 2.
