Since World Health Organization (WHO) stated mpox a public health emergency erupted on August 14, where tourists headed Africa can have increased concerns about the safety of their travel plans.

Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has a case fatality rate of up to 11%, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

By October, more than 1,000 deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid a surge in cases.

Now, concerns are growing about travel to Africa after countries in Europe and Asia reported imported cases.

Following an announcement by the health authorities that the first case of clade1b mpox was identified in London on Wednesday (October 30), here’s everything you need to know about traveling safely during the mpox outbreak.

What is mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease spread by close contact from person to person in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.

There are two distinct strains of the virus: clade 1 and clade 2.

Clade 1, historically the more severe strain, is responsible for the current increase in cases in Central and East Africa and had previously been reported in only five countries.

Divided into clade 1a and clade 1b, clade 1b mpox first appeared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just over a year ago, spreading mostly between adults through intimate and sexual contact.

Clade 2 mpox, the less deadly of the two major variants, has been present in the UK since 2022 but is no longer considered a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID).

What are the symptoms of mpox?

right NHSmpox symptoms take five to 21 days to first appear, with a rash usually appearing up to five days after the first symptoms.

Early symptoms of mpox include:

• high temperature (fever)

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Back pain

• Swollen glands

• Trembling (chills)

• Exhaustion

• Joint pains

Although mumps is usually mild and can get better without treatment, travelers who develop mumps symptoms within 21 days of returning to the UK should call the NHS on 111 for advice.

Where have mpox cases been found?

In 2024, 18 countries in Africa reported more than 40,000 suspected mpox cases, most of which remain unconfirmed due to limited testing capacity, says WHO.

The DRC was the worst affected, with 1,005 deaths out of 38,000 suspected cases (more than 7,500 confirmed), according to the European Center for Disease Control.

Elsewhere, the new clade 1b strain was identified as spreading in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

There have also been confirmed cases of the strain in India and Thailand, although it is not believed to be spreading in either country.

Cases have also recently been reported in European countries, including Sweden, Germany and now the UK.

The first UK case of clade 1b mpox strain was detected on October 30 by a PCR test in a person who had been on holiday in Africa and had traveled back to the UK on an overnight flight nine days before.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “The risk to the UK population remains low and we are working quickly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are ongoing to determine how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are other associated cases.”

Read more: All countries where cases of the new strain have been confirmed – including the UK

What are countries doing to control the outbreak?

Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said: “WHO and partners are supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries to implement an integrated approach to case detection, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, clinical and home. care, infection prevention and control, community engagement and mobilization and specialized logistical support.”

What is the UK government’s travel advice?

The UKHSA said the risk of mpox infection is “low for most travellers”.

The government’s health agency is advising travelers to check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice before departing for their destination.

“Nursing and health professionals planning humanitarian work in countries with outbreaks or isolated cases of smallpox should seek advice and training from their employer/organization before travel. Any organization deploying UK resident staff to mpox clade I areas in response to the outbreak should register with the UKHSA’s Returning Workers Scheme (RWS).

How can travelers stay safe from mpox?

The UK does not currently recommend pre-travel vaccination for mpox.

According to the UKHSA, recommended precautions to protect yourself from infection include:

• Avoiding contact with anyone who is unwell or has an unusual rash

• Washing hands often with soap and water

• Talking to sexual partners about their health and asking if they have symptoms

• Check yourself for mpox symptoms, including rashes and blisters

• Avoid sharing items with anyone who has symptoms or mpox

• Avoid contact with animals, especially rodents

• Do not eat, cook or prepare any raw or wild meat (forest meat) or any meat from unknown sources

UK travelers who develop symptoms abroad should follow local public health advice, limit contact with people and call before going to a medical facility.

Will traveling to an mpox affected area affect my travel insurance?

Yes, traveling to an mpox affected area can affect your travel health insurance options.

“Travellers should discuss their plans with their travel insurance company before they go,” UKHSA says.

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