Travelers heading to mpox-affected regions in Africa are being advised to get vaccinated, according to new guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The updated recommendations come in response to the spread of a new, more serious strain of the virus, known as Clade 1b, which has already claimed over 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While the ECDC emphasizes that the overall risk of global spread remains low, they caution that Europe and other continents could still see isolated cases. The World Health Organization has declared the mpox situation a global emergency, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, including via skin lesions, contaminated clothing or bedding, and respiratory droplets. Those previously vaccinated may require only a single booster dose, while others may need a full course, with boosters recommended every two to 10 years for those at continued risk.
