Mpox Virus
European health authorities have encouraged EU countries to issue travel advisories for mpox-affected regions, following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a worldwide emergency.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned on Friday that as the virus spreads in numerous African countries, Europe would likely experience an increase in imported cases. However, the ECDC asserted that as long as we immediately recognize and manage imported cases, the danger of continuous transmission within Europe remains minimal.
This update comes after the discovery of a new mpox variation in Sweden, which is the first occurrence of this strain outside Africa. Bruno Ciancio, chief of surveillance at the ECDC, voiced alarm about the deteriorating situation in Africa, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries, where the number of cases is most likely underestimated.
To prevent future spread in Europe, the ECDC stressed the importance of quick case identification and containment. The agency has also suggested that EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries issue travel advisories to anyone visiting areas afflicted by mpox.
Mpox has spread throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations since last year, killing over 500 people, the majority of whom were in the DRC. According to the WHO’s recent classification of the outbreak as a global health emergency, coordinated international action is required to address the catastrophe.
The ECDC emphasized the increased risk for EU/EEA tourists who have intimate contact with vulnerable communities in mpox-infected areas. They also identified a moderate risk for close connections with suspected or confirmed imported cases in Europe.
The mpox virus has two subtypes: Clade I, which is more severe and native to Central Africa, and Clade II, which is responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Several African countries are currently grappling with an outbreak of Clade I and a new strain called Clade Ib.
Sweden recently reported the first European Clade Ib case, prompting the ECDC to raise the risk level for EU/EEA travelers and the general public. The ECDC predicts a minimal impact in Europe, but they urge heightened readiness, including effective surveillance, testing, and contact tracing.
Despite the fact that mpox is not endemic in Europe, experts recommend travelers to mpox-affected countries to seek vaccination, and European clinicians should remain vigilant for potential cases. Ciancio emphasized that although we should take the risk seriously, we shouldn’t exaggerate it, given the existence of an effective and safe vaccine.
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