Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
It’s Health Matters time again. Dr Michelle Wright here with you as usual – British-trained GP and director of first aid training and health education company, HealthFirst.
What was shared in the first part of this mpox series?
Last time, the lowdown on mpox – how it’s transmitted, what symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Mpox has hit the headlines because of the ongoing spread of cases in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern and is keeping a very close eye on the situation, as is the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
The important message from last time was that the broader population in Switzerland is at low risk of contracting this virus.
Who is at a higher risk of contracting mpox?
And we talked about those who may be at higher risk, including:
- Anyone who may be exposed to the virus in the course of their work.
- People in the same household or close community as someone who has mpox, including children.
- People who have multiple sex partners, including men who have sex with men, and sex workers of any gender and their clients.
I also mentioned that there are currently no travel restrictions for anyone travelling to Africa. But given the international community that we live in, particularly in Geneva with all the NGOs and international organisations, I wanted to dive a little deeper into this today.
During 2024 to date, as of the 22nd of September, 15 countries in Africa have reported confirmed cases of mpox and the three countries with most of the cases are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria.
What are the recommended preventative measures if travelling to a location where the mpox epidemic is active?
Remembering how mpox is transmitted (through contact with an infected person, but also through contact with animals carrying the virus), if you are travelling to areas where the current epidemic is active, there are a few things to keep in mind.
And I just want to reiterate that if you follow the recommended preventive measures, your risk of infection remains very low.
So, the recommendations are:
- To avoid contact with, and animals in, areas where mpox regularly occurs.
- To avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.
It’s also important to stay away from individuals who are known to be infected. And avoid touching potentially contaminated personal items such as clothing, towels, or bedding, or sharing eating utensils, cups, or food and drink.
Remember that close physical contact, particularly sexual contact, can significantly increase your risk of contracting mpox. So, if you’re heading to a region where mpox is spreading, be cautious, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Regular hand washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is also a sensible precaution. And be sure to follow the advice of local authorities.
When to consider the mpox vaccine?
Another key point for travellers, especially for those involved in humanitarian work in high-risk areas: vaccination against mpox is highly recommended. This is especially true if you’re working with aid or relief organizations and might be exposed to the virus during your work.
Just to bear in mind, if you’re getting vaccinated as a precaution for travel, Swiss compulsory health insurance won’t usually cover the cost. But, if you’re required to get the vaccine for work purposes, your employer should.
So, whether you’re off on a grand adventure or heading out for important work, make sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from mpox.
