Travelers heading to affected areas in Africa are advised to get vaccinated against mpox, according to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This recommendation follows the outbreak of a new, more serious strain of the virus, known as Clade 1b, which has resulted in at least 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months.
The ECDC warns that although the global spread of this strain is currently low, the close links between Europe and Africa could lead to more imported cases. The World Health Organization recently declared the mpox situation a global emergency.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals, including touching clothing or bedding used by someone with the disease. It can cause flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal for some.
Individuals previously vaccinated against mpox may need only one booster dose instead of the usual two, with boosters recommended every two to ten years depending on the risk of exposure. The ECDC emphasizes that public health authorities should be prepared to quickly detect and respond to any cases that may reach Europe.
