On 14 August 2024, the WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). Read the full statement here.
What is Mpox? According to the CDC: Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes mpox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.
Vaccination: Currently, the CDC is not recommending the vaccine for the general public. Please refer to the CDC vaccine guidelines for Mpox here.
In Uganda and Rwanda cases are as follows:
4 confirmed cases in Rwanda. Reported in people who frequently travel to the DRC. All
patients are undergoing treatment. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional
cases have been reported.
patients are undergoing treatment. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional
cases have been reported.
2 confirmed cases in Uganda. Reported in the Kasese District. All patients are
undergoing treatment. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional cases have
been reported.
Currently there are no travel restrictions in Uganda or Rwanda and travel remains a safe activity. All of the usual public health measures are in place, as well as education on the spread of the disease. Within the tourism sector, lodges are continuing to use best practices for cleaning and personal hygiene. CAS vehicles and guides have hand sanitizer available for use by all parties. CAS guides are able to modify itineraries, if needed, however at this time tours in Uganda and Rwanda are not considered high risk for exposure based on the WHO and CDC guidelines. As always, CAS staff are asked to report any symptoms of illness of any type and modifications to staffing will take place, if necessary. Masks are still required for primate trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, arrivals are subject to thermal body screening to monitor for irregularities.
Risk of Severe Disease
Although cases of mpox are not life-threatening, some people may be more likely to get severely ill, including:
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Children younger than 1
- People with a history of eczema
- People who are pregnant
Preventing Mpox
There are several ways you can protect yourself and others from mpox, including:
- Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox and animals that carry the Mpox virus.
- Learning steps you can take to lower your risk of mpox during sex or at a social gathering.
- Getting vaccinated. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if the Mpox vaccine is recommended for you.
Please let us know if you have any questions: lyndsay@classicafricasafaris. travel.