Travelers Advised to Consider Mpox Vaccine Amid New Outbreaks
Travelers heading to regions affected by mpox, particularly in Africa, should think about getting vaccinated against the virus, according to updated advice. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued this guidance following the emergence of a new strain of mpox. While the overall risk of widespread transmission is low, the World Health Organization has recently labeled mpox as a global emergency.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact with an infected person or their belongings. The disease can cause flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash and may be fatal in some cases.
For those who have been vaccinated before, only a booster dose may be needed instead of starting from scratch. Boosters are generally recommended every 2 to 10 years for people at ongoing risk.
Recent outbreaks have been severe, with over 450 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo linked to a new strain called Clade 1b. The ECDC warns that this strain might be more easily spread and cause more severe illness.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC emphasized the need for preparedness in Europe and other regions due to the strong travel links with Africa. Although there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b in the UK yet, vigilance is essential to prevent the spread.
Current vaccine supplies are limited, and there’s a push to ensure more doses reach those who need them most. The last significant mpox outbreak in 2022 was due to a milder strain known as Clade 2.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gd2p04405o