Mpox Virus – How to Stay Safe When Travelling [Updated September 2024]

AIn the last few years more and more cases of mpox (previously known as mpox) have been occurring across the globe. Officials have warned that a summer of tourism and events could result in cases rising even more, with people urged to be careful and take precautions when they travel to reduce the spread.

You should always ensure you have comprehensive international travel insurance so you’re covered in the event of any illness. Our below guide will help you to be informed and stay protected from mpox whilst you travel.

The symptoms of mpox will usually start between 5 to 21 days after becoming infected. The first symptoms of mpox include:

Around 1 to 5 days after the above symptoms occur, a blistering rash will start. It could occur on the face or genital area, and it may spread to other parts of the body. The rash will begin as raised spots which develop into blisters and then scabs.

Mpox infections in humans result from touching or eating animals that are infected with the virus, mainly through rodents and monkeys. The virus can then be spread from person to person via:

In 2022, there was a spike in cases, with this outbreak still ongoing. Cases have been largely reported in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men community, but the virus is not limited to this group alone. Many recent cases are thought to have been transmitted through close, personal contact with infected people, including, but not limited to, during sex.

Mpox is categorised into two different types, or clades: clade I and clade II. Both clades have subclades: Ia and Ib; and IIa and IIb.

The recent global outbreak which has been ongoing since 2022 is of clade IIb. Infections from this clade are generally less severe and more than 99.9% of people who are diagnosed with clade II survive.

There has also been a rise in mpox cases specifically around central and eastern Africa, and this is clade I. In the past, clade I has had a more severe impact, with up to 10% of people diagnosed dying from the illness. However, in recent cases there has been a much lower rate of death, at about 1%-3.3%.

Although both clades and subclades can vary in severity of the symptoms, they can all be spread through the same ways.

At September 2024, the WHO has reported that 120 countries have reported mpox between January 2022 and August 2024, with over 100,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and 220 deaths from these confirmed cases, although more deaths are estimated for cases that haven’t been reported.

 The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen the most cases during this outbreak, currently at 1,754. North America has also report a high number of cases, at 1,399. China, Spain, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, France, and Colombia have reported between 100 and 335 cases in each region, and Canada, Vietnam, the UK, Peru, Italy and Germany have between 50 and 100 cases in each country. There have been more cases reported across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, although at smaller numbers.

Prior to this outbreak, cases of mpox occurred mainly in remote parts of Central and West Africa, and infections outside this area were rare. As such, people who are travelling to these areas should avoid contact with rodents (such as mice, rats and squirrels) and monkeys. You should avoid eating undercooked meat sourced from these animals and always wear protective clothing, including gloves, if you will be involved in the care or slaughter of these animals. A bite or scratch from an infected animal could result in infection.

If you are travelling to any destination, particularly those with high cases of mpox, and you will be sexually active, you should be aware of the risk of the virus. You should avoid close contact, including sex, with anyone who is unwell and showing mpox symptoms such as a rash. You should also always practice safe sex. Maintaining good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands can also help to reduce the risk of infection.

If you are around someone with mpox, avoid contact with them and also avoid contact with materials they have used, such as eating utensils, bedding, and clothing.

The NHS offers mpox vaccinations for those who are more at risk of the virus. This includes healthcare workers caring for patients with mpox, people who have been in close contact with someone who has mpox, men who have sex with other men and staff who work at sex-on-premises venues. There are a number of vaccination sites across the country, which you can find on the NHS website.

If you develop mpox symptoms, you should seek medical advice. Most international travel insurance policies will cover the treatment needed for mpox, but you should read your specific policy carefully and speak to your provider. You should isolate and avoid close contact with others so as to not further spread the infection.

If you have recently travelled to Central or West Africa and you have developed flu-like symptoms, you should make sure to seek advice and testing for malaria, as well as mpox.

For less severe cases, symptoms will usually clear up over a few weeks. Medicine can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms and help with aches and pains and discomfort caused by the rash.

If your illness is more severe and you become unwell, you will need to go to hospital for treatment. Older people, young children, and people who are taking medication for their immune system may be more at risk of having serious symptoms. You should always speak to a medical professional if you suspect you have mpox, regardless of how severe your symptoms are.

Make sure you’re covered when you go travelling with international travel insurance from Expatriate Group. We’ll tailor your cover to suit your needs, with emergency and accidental medical treatment and evacuation provided as standard, plus a range of extra benefits available for added protection. Get a quote today.