Health Advisory for Travellers to Countries Affected by Mpox Clade I
Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a significant uptick in reported cases of mpox Clade I originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Starting from July 2024, a troubling trend has emerged as additional countries across the African continent, including those previously deemed non-endemic for mpox Clade I, have started to report cases and outbreaks linked to this virus. Although mpox Clade I is transmitting across borders in certain regions of Central and East Africa, the majority of the outbreak has remained confined to the African continent. Outside of Africa, isolated cases of mpox Clade I have been confirmed in Sweden, Thailand, and India, each reporting one instance involving travelers since August 2024, without indications of subsequent local transmission.
As of 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified the ongoing mpox outbreak in the DRC, combined with the expanding reach of the virus to other African nations, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration follows closely after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on 13 August 2024.
It is important to note that mpox Clade I is associated with causing more severe disease manifestations compared to the mpox Clade II virus, which was responsible for the multi-country outbreaks reported between 2022 and 2023.
Travellers heading to affected regions are strongly advised to implement precautionary measures to safeguard against mpox. It is crucial for those returning from these areas to seek immediate medical evaluation if they begin to exhibit symptoms such as fever or a rash within 21 days of their arrival back home. When consulting with healthcare providers, they should disclose their recent travel itineraries and any potential exposure to the virus.
For comprehensive details, travellers may consult the Ministry of Health’s official webpage dedicated to mpox.
Health Advisory for All Travellers
The Ministry of Health is emphasizing the importance for all travellers, regardless of destination, to remain vigilant and to adopt essential precautions pertinent to their travel plans.
Before Trip:
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Travellers must pay attention to the yellow fever vaccination requirements for entry into Singapore when coming from countries where yellow fever is a risk. It is advisable to visit the Ministry of Health’s webpage for detailed information regarding yellow fever.
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Awareness of the health situation and entry prerequisites for your destination country is critical. Some destinations may demand proof of vaccination against various diseases, including yellow fever and meningococcal disease, to permit entry.
1 There are currently no vaccination recommendations for mpox Clade I for travellers to the affected regions.
During Trip:
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Frequent handwashing with soap is vital, particularly before eating or after using the toilet. In situations where soap and water are unavailable, employing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains a minimum of 60% alcohol is strongly recommended.
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Avoid close interactions and refrain from sharing personal items with individuals who appear ill or display symptoms associated with infectious diseases.
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Coughing or sneezing into a tissue is essential; ensure immediate disposal of the used tissue in a bin. Avoid touching facial features such as eyes, nose, and mouth with hands that have not been washed after these actions.
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Consume only food that has been thoroughly cooked, and wash fruits and vegetables before consumption. It is advisable to avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, milk products, and food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
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To prevent insect bites, apply effective insect repellents such as those containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants when outdoors, coupled with sleeping in air-conditioned, insect-screened environments or under insecticide-treated bed nets, will provide further protection.
