How to travel on a safaris during mpox outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated mpox as a global public health emergency due to a recent increase in the virus in central Africa, as well as documented cases in Sweden, Taiwan, and Pakistan. Although the likelihood of acquiring mpox during a safari is rather small, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards and adhere to preventive measures in order to guarantee a secure and pleasurable trip.
If you are considering an African safari and have concerns about the mpox virus and its impact on your health, here is the essential information you should be aware of. Primary concerns regarding the Mpox health emergency include the possibility for the outbreak to spread inside Africa and to other regions, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) proclamation. The declaration was made after a meeting of impartial specialists from the IHR Emergency Committee.
A novel lineage (lineage 1b) of the mpox virus is currently disseminating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjacent nations, predominantly via “sexual networks.”
In 2024 alone, a total of 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been officially documented in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exceeding the numbers reported in prior years. The virus is spreading rapidly among the population that has been forced to leave their homes, as a result of the continuous strife in the country.
The virus has been identified in an additional 13 African countries. Sweden, Taiwan, and Pakistan have recently reported cases of mpox.
Travel Safety and Health Advisories
The Southern African Tourism Services Association states that regional tour operators are dedicated to upholding stringent safety protocols and are actively cooperating with local authorities to closely monitor the situation around mpox and assist in containing its transmission..
David Frost, CEO of the inbound tourism industry association, emphasized the gravity of the WHO decision. However, he advised against categorizing the entire African continent as a high-risk area.
It is vital to comprehend that Africa is not a nation but an extensive continent, which is geographically larger than the combined size of China, the United States, and Europe. Each of the 54 countries in Africa possesses distinct ecosystems and health situations. “Characterizing the entire continent as a high-risk area based on a localized outbreak is not only factually inaccurate but also detrimental to the vital tourism economies in Africa,” stated Frost.
“Health hazards associated with travel are a matter of worldwide concern.” “Africa, similar to any other region, encounters its fair share of difficulties, but by practicing responsible travel and adhering to local guidelines, one can greatly enhance the safety of their experiences,” stated Andre van Kets, the co-founder of Discover Africa. In recent years, the tourist sector in Africa has undergone substantial changes, incorporating useful insights from the epidemic to improve health and safety protocols. Tourism has a crucial role in both preserving natural resources and boosting local economies. Visitors not only get to witness the remarkable diversity of the continent but also contribute directly to the well-being of local communities and the protection of the environment. “By making informed choices and practicing responsible travel, we can effectively manage these risks while still making a positive contribution,” stated Van Kets.
Furthermore, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlighted that although Europe may experience an increase in imported cases after the detection of a new mpox strain in Sweden, the likelihood of continuous transmission throughout Europe is still minimal.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) suggests promptly identifying and isolating imported cases, and advises anyone traveling to affected locations to contemplate receiving vaccine.
Chronology of the Mpox Virus Mpox was initially discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Historically, instances were primarily confined to nations in Central and West Africa.
In 2022, there was a worldwide outbreak of the virus, indicating its extensive transmission outside of Central and West Africa. This outbreak was caused by clade II of MPXV, which is commonly found in West Africa and is less severe compared to clade I MPXV, which is more frequent in the Congo Basin.
The crisis has intensified, as the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a health emergency in August, following the identification of a new variant known as Clade 1b.
What is the mode of transmission of Mpox, what are the symptoms, and how can one protect oneself?
The Mpox virus, previously referred to as Monkeypox, is classified within the same viral family as smallpox. However, Mpox is typically less intense in its effects.
The transmission of the disease occurs via direct contact with an infected individual or animal, which includes close physical contact, inhalation of respiratory droplets, or contact with skin lesions. Additionally, it can be spread through surfaces, beds, clothing, or towels that have been contaminated, entering the body through skin that is damaged, the respiratory system, or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Common symptoms of Mpox may include:
Headache
Muscle aches
Back pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills and exhaustion
The typical incubation period ranges from 6 to 13 days, although it can occasionally go up to 21 days.A rash that usually manifests within 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. The skin rash
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