Epidemiological situation: Mpox outbreaks are caused by different clades, clades 1 and 2, see EpiNews as of 16 August 2024. Historically, clade 1 has been associated with a higher percentage of people with mpox developing severe illness or dying, compared to clade 2 (responsible for the global spread in 2022). D.R. Congo (DRC) has been the most affected country, with a large increase of mpox cases due to MPXV clade I being reported since November 2023. In April 2024, sequencing of mpox cases from Kamituga in South Kivu province in eastern DRC, within the context of an observational study, identified a subtype of clade I, clade Ib. Both MPXV clade Ia and clade Ib have been circulating in DRC, while clade Ia has been detected in Congo and Central African Republic.
Geographical spread of the new MPXV clade Ib variant occurs via transport routes through sexual contact (e.g. sex workers), and then local transmission is observed in households and other settings (which are becoming increasingly important).
In recent weeks, confirmed mpox cases due to MPXV clade Ib have been reported by countries neighbouring DRC, such as:
On 14 August 2024, WHO declared the current clade I monkeypox virus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The type of exposure reported by cases in DRC includes sexual contact, non-sexual direct contact, household contact and healthcare facility contacts. The cases reported in Rwanda had travel history to DRC and Burundi, investigation showed that the cases reported by Uganda took place outside the country, while the case reported in Kenya was detected at a point of entry. For clade Ib (reported in Eastern DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya), close physical contact (sexual contact) has been documented as the predominant mode of transmission, while for clade Ia (in endemic areas of DRC, Congo and CAR) multiple modes of transmission have been documented including zoonotic transmission.
For details of the cases, epidemiology, public health response and WHO advice, see WHO LINK.
Follow local media and local health authority advice. The following prevention measures should be followed during a stay in countries where mpox is endemic/epidemic:
General precautions:
A vaccination against mpox is available (Jynneos®, manufacture Bavarian Nordic). There is an increased demand worldwide with risk of vaccine shortage. The Swiss Expert for Travel Medicine recommends vaccination against mpox in following situations, status 30 August 2024 (the recommendation will be updated regularly depending on the development of the outbreak):
People staying or travelling to Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi in case of:
People staying outside of Eastern D.R. Congo and Burundi (worldwide) in case of
At the present time, it is assumed that the available vaccine (Jynneos®) is also effective against the new clade I. This vaccine is considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe mpox disease.
In case of symptoms:
If you are diagnosed with mpox:
For clinicians:
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