Travelers planning trips to regions of Africa impacted by monkeypox should consider getting vaccinated, according to new advice from health authorities. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its recommendations in light of outbreaks of a new strain of the virus, potentially leading to cases in other continents, including Europe.
Despite the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of a global health emergency for monkeypox, the ECDC assesses the risk of widespread transmission as low. However, the emergence of a new strain, Clade 1b, has raised concerns. Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this strain has been linked to at least 450 deaths and is believed to spread more easily and cause more severe disease.
Monkeypox, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through close contact with an infected individual. For those previously vaccinated against monkeypox, a single booster dose may be sufficient instead of the full two-shot regimen. Booster doses are recommended every two to ten years for individuals at ongoing risk of exposure.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner, from the ECDC, emphasized the importance of preparedness: “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 travelers to affected areas. Given the close ties between Europe and Africa, we must be ready for more imported Clade 1 cases.”
While no confirmed cases of Clade 1b monkeypox have been reported in the UK, experts emphasize the crucial role of international efforts to prevent its spread. A recent case in Sweden involved an individual who contracted the virus during a stay in an affected area of Africa. The ECDC urges public health authorities to plan and prepare for the rapid detection of any additional cases that might reach Europe.
The previous monkeypox public health emergency declared in 2022 was caused by a different, milder strain called Clade 2. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, concerns remain about the insufficient supply reaching regions where they are most needed.
