How can travelers to the UK protect themselves against the virus?

Cases have been reported in Europe of people who recently traveled to affected countries in Africa (Getty Images)

From World Health Organization (WHO) announced mpox a public health emergency broke out on August 14, where tourists were headed Africa may have have increased concerns about the security of their travel plans.

According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the mortality rate for Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is up to 11%.

As of October, more than 1,000 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as cases rise.

Currently, there are growing concerns about traveling to Africa by countries in Europe and Asia reported cases of importation.

After the health authorities announced that the first case of klade1b mpox was found in London on Wednesday (October 30) you will learn everything about safe traveling during the mopx virus epidemic.

What is mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease transmitted by close contact between people and belonging to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.

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

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

Clade 1b mpox, divided into clades 1a and 1b, first emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) just over a year ago, spreading mainly between adults through intimate and sexual contact.

Clade 2 mpox, the less lethal of the two main 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?

According to NHSmpox symptoms appear after five to 21 days, and the rash usually appears up to five days after the first symptoms appear.

The first symptoms of mpox include:

High temperature (fever)
Headaches
Muscle pain
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills (chills)
Exhaustion
Joint pain

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

Where have cases of mpox been found?

In 2024, 18 countries in Africa reported more than 40,000 suspected cases of mpox, with the majority remaining unconfirmed due to limited testing capacity, says WHO.

According to the European Center for Disease Control, the DRC suffered the most – 1,005 deaths out of 38,000 suspected cases (over 7,500 confirmed).

Elsewhere, a new clade 1b strain has been identified as spreading in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

There have also been confirmed cases of the strain in India and Thailand, although the strain 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 case in the UK of the mpox clade 1b strain was detected on October 30 via a PCR test in a person who had been on holiday in Africa and had returned to the UK on an overnight flight nine days earlier.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: “The risk to the UK population remains low and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of potential spread. In line with established protocols, investigations are ongoing to determine how the individual became infected and to assess whether there are any further related cases.”

What are countries doing to control the epidemic?

Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Program on Health Emergencies, said: “WHO and partners are supporting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in implementing an integrated approach to case detection, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, clinical trials and home care, prevention infection and control, community engagement and mobilization, and specialized logistical support.

What is the UK Government’s advice for travellers?

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

The government’s health agency advises travelers to check the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before traveling to their destination.

“Aid workers and health care workers planning to do humanitarian work in countries where there are outbreaks or isolated cases of mnox should seek advice and training from their employer/organization before traveling. “Any organization sending UK resident staff to areas affected by mpox clade I virus in response to the outbreak should register with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Returning Workers Scheme (RWS).”

How can travelers protect themselves against mpox?

The UK does not currently recommend pug vaccinations before travel.

According to the UKHSA, recommended precautions to protect against infection include:

Avoiding contact with people who feel unwell or have an unusual rash
Wash your hands often with soap and water
Talking to sexual partners about their health and asking if they have any symptoms
Checking for symptoms of mpox, including rashes and blisters
Avoiding sharing items with people who have symptoms or suffer from mpox
Avoiding contact with animals, especially rodents
Do not eat, cook or prepare any type of raw or wild meat (bush meat) or meat from unknown sources

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

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

Yes, traveling to an mpox-affected area may impact your travel health insurance options.

“Travellers should discuss their plans with their insurance company before departure,” says UKHSA.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast