In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox, commonly known as Monkeypox, a global health emergency, several countries have initiated health protocols at airports and seaports to ensure safe travel amid the spread of a new Mpox variant.
On Wednesday, the WHO classified Mpox as a global health emergency for the second time in two years following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This outbreak has now extended to 26 countries worldwide.
The WHO previously declared Mpox a global health emergency in May 2022, when the virus spread to more than 70 countries, confirming that it could be transmitted through sexual contact.
The newly identified variant, known as clade 1b, has proven to be more deadly and transmissible than the clade 2b variant discovered in 2022.
Impact and Response Across Africa
Africa has been the most severely affected by the outbreak, with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths. The DRC has reported the highest number globally, with 16,789 cases and 511 deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Border Measures and Travel Guidelines
While many European countries have yet to implement travel restrictions, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Friday recommended vaccination for travelers and urged countries to adopt measures to control the spread of the Mpox C1 variant, which has impacted nations such as the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
The United States announced its commitment to continue collaborating with African governments, Africa CDC, and WHO to ensure an effective response to the current Mpox outbreak. U.S. citizens have been advised to get vaccinated, despite no reported cases in the country.
In Asia, countries like China, Thailand, and Malaysia have introduced strict travel measures reminiscent of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. China has implemented rigorous border controls, including mandatory isolation and testing for travelers showing symptoms or arriving from Mpox-affected countries. Chinese authorities have also advised against traveling to certain regions of Congo and the Central African Republic due to safety concerns unrelated to Mpox.
India and Pakistan have not yet imposed strict measures but have indicated plans to begin testing travelers at airports.
Measures in Africa
South Africa has announced plans to screen travelers at airports, while Kenya has already begun testing and has reported only mild cases so far. Nigeria has mandated that all travelers entering the country complete a health declaration form at the airport or online if they have traveled to certain parts of Africa.
Mpox in Africa: Treatment and Prevention
The WHO has noted that Mpox cases are particularly prevalent in East African countries like the DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Vaccines, including MVA-BN, LC16, and ACAM2000, are available and recommended to prevent infection and severe illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that two doses of the vaccine are necessary for optimal protection, with the second dose administered four weeks after the first.
Protecting Yourself from Mpox
The following preventive measures are recommended by the U.S. CDC, the UK National Health Service (NHS), and WHO:
Avoid close contact with individuals recently infected or showing symptoms of Mpox.
Wear a face mask if in proximity to someone with symptoms.
Practice safe sex, use condoms, and be vigilant for symptoms if you have recently changed sexual partners.
Avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, particularly sick or dead animals with a history of infection, such as monkeys, rodents, and prairie dogs.
Maintain good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with infected or potentially infected individuals or animals.
Use personal protective equipment when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected Mpox infections.
Only consume thoroughly cooked meat.
As the global community grapples with the resurgence of Mpox, adherence to these guidelines and international cooperation will be crucial in containing the spread of this deadly virus.