ECDC Recommends Mpox Vaccination for Travellers to Africa

Travellers to Africa are advised to consider getting vaccinated against mpox due to new outbreaks. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights that a new strain, Clade 1b, has caused significant fatalities and may spread more easily. Public health authorities should prepare for potential cases in Europe.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises travellers to Africa to consider getting vaccinated against mpox due to recent outbreaks.

This virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has caused flu-like symptoms and rashes and has led to at least 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The World Health Organization has declared this a global emergency.

The ECDC states that although the spread risk is low globally, increased movement between Africa and Europe could result in more cases.

The new strain, Clade 1b, is suspected to spread more easily and cause more severe disease.

Public health authorities are urged to prepare for quick detection and management of potential cases in Europe.

Currently, no Clade 1b cases have been confirmed in the UK, but a case was detected in Sweden from a traveller returning from Africa.

Vaccination boosters are recommended every two to ten years for those at continued risk.