By Debra Rono
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a statement outlining recommendations aimed at improving preparedness for an increase in imported cases of Mpox.
The ECDC advises European citizens to consider vaccination against Mpox prior to traveling to affected regions in Africa.
“If a clade I infection is detected, the event should be promptly communicated at the EU level via EpiPulse or EWRS. ECDC recommends travelers to epidemic areas consult their healthcare provider or travel health clinic regarding eligibility for vaccination against Mpox,” read the statement.
Given the high incidence of infections and fatalities from Mpox reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with the frequent travel connections between the EU/EEA and Africa, the ECDC anticipates a potential for cross-border infections.
However, it underscores that the risk of sustained transmission within Europe remains very low, provided that imported cases are promptly diagnosed and appropriate control measures are enacted.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b Mpox in the UK; however, experts caution that the situation could change without international intervention.
The ECDC is collaborating closely with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to monitor the Mpox outbreak.
Since November 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced a notable rise in Mpox cases, including the emergence of a new clade I variant, with over 16,000 new cases and 511 deaths reported in 2024.
Recently, nine additional countries have confirmed Mpox cases, including eight neighbouring the DRC (Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda) as well as Kenya.
The Africa CDC has declared Mpox a public health emergency, with data indicating a rise in cases to 15,132 from January to August 2024, resulting in 1,456 recorded fatalities.