All you need to know about Mpox

posted 29th August 2024 by Danica Wilson in Travel Advice

Travel advice

Travelling to Africa soon?

Here’s what you need to know about mpox

 The recent outbreak of mpox in a handful of African countries has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It all sounds a bit scary, but by following standard precautions you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing that the risk of mpox is minimal.

Here’s what you need to know about mpox

 Mpox is a viral disease that primarily occurs in Central and West Africa, but there have been outbreaks in other parts of the world as well, including Europe and North America. Formerly known as monkeypox, it’s caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox.

 The good news is this virus is not easy to catch, and while it can be serious it’s rarely fatal, especially when appropriate medical care is available and received. The majority of cases are mild to moderate and resolve within a few weeks without causing long-term health problems.

While there is no specific treatment for mpox, smallpox vaccines, antivirals and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) may be appropriate. For more information about these treatments, speak to a travel clinic or your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific travel itinerary and health needs.

Here’s what do you need to do about mpox if you’re travelling to Africa

 In short, you don’t need to do much at all.

The main thing is DON’T PANIC! The risk of contracting mpox during your African holiday is extremely low. Transmission occurs mainly through prolonged close contact with infected individuals or animals, so practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with wild animals can further reduce any risk.

 In most countries it’s business as usual when it comes to travelling.

A few destinations, such as Zimbabwe and Botswana, have recently started screening for mpox.

Botswana has also introduced a new self-assessment form that visitors are required to fill out at border checkpoints before they arrive (available below). While Botswana, just like Zimbabwe, has no recorded cases of mpox, authorities are just playing it safe and playing it smart with these forms. They’re aiming to minimise the chance of any outbreak, and ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors alike.

If you’re booked to travel to Botswana after 1 October 2024, Encompass Africa will load the self assessment form into your guest portal or you can access it below. Please download a copy per traveller and complete them. You will need a print out to present upon arrival into Botswana. 

Other countries may introduce similar forms: we recommend visiting the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest updates.

And of course please always feel free to call us at Encompass Africa if you’d like more information or just want to talk through any concerns.

BOTSWANA

Mpox Screening Form