European health authorities have recommended that EU countries issue travel warnings for regions affected by mpox, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the outbreak as a global emergency.
On Friday, August 18, 2024, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned that Europe is likely to see an increase in imported mpox cases due to the virus’s spread in several African nations. The ECDC stated that the risk of ongoing transmission within Europe remains low, provided that imported cases are swiftly identified and controlled.
This advisory comes after the detection of a new mpox variant in Sweden, the first case of this strain reported outside Africa. Bruno Ciancio, head of surveillance at the ECDC, expressed concern over the worsening situation in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, where case numbers are likely underestimated.
To prevent further spread in Europe, the ECDC emphasized the need for rapid case identification and containment. The agency has recommended that EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries issue travel advice for those visiting mpox-affected areas.
Since last year, mpox has been spreading in the DRC and other African countries, resulting in over 500 deaths, mostly in the DRC. The WHO’s recent declaration of the outbreak as a global health emergency calls for coordinated international efforts to address the crisis.
The ECDC highlighted a higher risk for EU/EEA travelers who have close contact with affected communities in mpox-impacted areas. They also noted a moderate risk for close contacts of possible or confirmed imported cases in Europe.
Two subtypes of the mpox virus exist: Clade I, which is more severe and endemic to central Africa, and Clade II, responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Several African countries are currently dealing with outbreaks of Clade I and a new strain, Clade Ib.
The ECDC recommends high levels of preparedness in Europe, including effective surveillance, testing, and contact tracing. Travelers to mpox-affected areas are advised to consider vaccination, and European clinicians are urged to remain vigilant for potential cases.
Source: africanews.com
