Monkeypox Advice – Prevention Tips for Travelers

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Traveling abroad is exciting, but it is important to consider your health and safety, especially during outbreaks of various diseases. Monkeypox is an infectious disease found in many countries worldwide. Although it is generally mild, it can cause severe illness in some cases. Therefore, those planning to travel abroad should research information about monkeypox, including how to protect themselves from infection. This article provides monkeypox advice for travelers to reduce the risk of contracting the disease and to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

List of Contents

1. Causes and Transmission

2. Transmission Can Occur in Several Ways

3. Symptoms and Disease Progression

4. Treatment and Severity

5. Monkeypox Advice – Prevention

6. Monkeypox Advice for Travelers to Outbreak Areas

7. Measures for Travelers Returning from Outbreak Areas

Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses that cause smallpox. However, monkeypox is generally less severe. Originally, the disease was transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through contact with rodents, squirrels, and primates. However, it has now been found that the virus can also spread from person to person.

• Animal to Human: Through contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or lesions of infected animals, as well as consuming undercooked meat from infected animals.
• Human to Human: Through contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or shared items with an infected person.
• Aerosol Transmission: Through respiratory droplets, but this requires prolonged close contact.

After contracting the virus, symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days and can be divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Fever Phase (1-3 days)

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes (a distinguishing feature from other rashes)
• Some individuals may experience a cough or sore throat

Phase 2: Rash Phase (1-3 days after fever onset)

The rash progresses in stages:

• Flat red rash
• Raised red rash
• Blisters
• Pustules
• Scabs that eventually fall off

The rash typically appears on:

• Face
• Arms and legs
• Palms and soles of the feet
• Some cases may involve the mucous membranes of the mouth, genital area, and eyes.

Transmission: Infected individuals can spread the virus as soon as fever symptoms begin, with the highest risk of transmission occurring when the rash develops and continues until all scabs have fallen off.

• Generally, monkeypox resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks.
• The fatality rate in the general population is around 3-6%.
• Children are at a higher risk of death compared to adults.
• Patients who are young or have weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms and complications, such as:
  • Bacterial infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis
  • Bloodstream infections
  • Eye infections, which can affect vision.

Vaccination

• In the past, smallpox vaccines were used to prevent monkeypox.
• Currently, specific vaccines for monkeypox are available.

Self-Protection Measures

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, clothing, or bedding, with others.
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals or those at risk of infection.
• Avoid handling animals that could carry the virus, particularly in outbreak areas.
• Do not consume undercooked meat, especially in areas experiencing outbreaks.

Before Traveling

• Research the outbreak situation in your destination.
• Prepare personal protective equipment, such as masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system.
• Get vaccinated for monkeypox.

During Travel

• Avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, especially wild or sick animals.
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals or those with monkeypox-like symptoms.
• Maintain strict personal hygiene.
• Monitor the outbreak situation closely in the area.
• Avoid participating in large gatherings in high-risk areas.
• Consume only fully cooked food.

Monitoring Symptoms

• Watch for any symptoms while in high-risk areas.
• Continue monitoring for 21 days after leaving the outbreak area.
• If unusual symptoms occur, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or rashes, seek medical attention immediately.
• Inform the healthcare provider of your travel history and potential exposure to the virus.

• Travelers will undergo symptom screening and risk assessment at entry points upon arrival.
• If there is a history of contact with infected animals or confirmed patients, notify international communicable disease control officers immediately.
• Regularly report your symptoms to public health officials for 21 days if at risk.
• If abnormal symptoms occur, promptly inform officials and seek medical attention.
• In cases where a monkeypox infection is identified on a flight, authorities will trace and monitor individuals seated near or in contact with the patient to prevent further transmission.

Protecting yourself from monkeypox is essential, especially for those traveling to outbreak areas. Maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals or animals that may carry the virus are effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, closely monitoring symptoms and staying vigilant about your health are crucial preventive measures.

Following advice from doctors and public health officials ensures comprehensive protection against monkeypox. If any concerning symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately to receive timely guidance on treatment and to prevent further spread of the disease effectively.

Reference

World Health Organization. Monkeypox.

• who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/monkeypox. Published 2022. Accessed May 24, 2022.

Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Monkeypox.

• cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html. Published 2022. Accessed May 31, 2022.