On August 14, 2024, WHO declared outbreaks of mpox in Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. According to WHO and regional health authorities, mpox outbreaks partially driven by sexual transmission, have been reported in many African countries (including 4 countries with no previous cases) since January 2024: Burundi, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
Travelers should avoid close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with mpox; observe hand and respiratory hygiene and safer-sex practices; and avoid consumption of bushmeat and direct contact with rodents and other animals in affected areas. Mpox vaccination should be considered for high-risk persons and persons with known, suspected, or anticipated exposure to someone with mpox.
