How Serious is the Mpox Virus and How to Protect Yourself

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, following an upsurge of the virus in central Africa, with cases also reported in Sweden, Taiwan, and Pakistan.

While the risk of contracting mpox on a safari is relatively low, understanding the potential risks and following preventive measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here’s what you need to know if you are planning an African safari and are concerned about the mpox virus and your health. 

Key Mpox Health Emergency Concerns:

The WHO declaration followed a meeting of independent experts from the IHR Emergency Committee, who raised concerns about the outbreak’s potential to spread within Africa and beyond. 

• A new clade (Clade 1b) of the mpox virus is spreading in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries, primarily through “sexual networks.”
• Over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported in the DRC in 2024 alone, surpassing previous years. The spread of the virus is prolific amongst its displaced population, due to ongoing conflict in the country. 
• The virus has been detected in 13 other African countries. Most recently, Sweden, Taiwan and Pakistan have reported mpox cases.

Travel Safety and Health Warnings

Regional tour operators are committed to maintaining high safety standards and are actively collaborating with local authorities to monitor the mpox situation and help curb its spread, according to the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

The seriousness of the WHO declaration cannot be downplayed, according to David Frost, CEO of the inbound tourism industry association – but cautioned against painting all of Africa as a high-risk zone. 

“It is critical to understand that Africa is not a country but a vast continent – geographically larger than China, the United States and Europe combined. Each of its 54 countries has unique environments and health contexts. Painting the entire continent as a high-risk zone due to a localised outbreak is not only factually wrong but also damaging to crucial tourism economies across Africa,” said Frost.  

“Health risks during travel are a global concern. Africa, like any region, faces its share of challenges, but responsible travel practices and adherence to local guidelines go a long way in ensuring safe experiences,” said Andre van Kets, co-founder of Discover Africa.

“Over the past few years, the tourism industry across Africa has adapted significantly, applying valuable lessons from the pandemic to enhance health and safety measures. Tourism is vital for both conservation and local economies—visitors not only experience the continent’s incredible diversity but also directly support livelihoods and environmental sustainability. With informed choices and responsible travel, we can navigate these risks while continuing to make a positive impact,” said Van Kets.

Similarly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasised that while Europe may face more imported cases, following the identification of an mpox variant in Sweden, the risk of sustained transmission across Europe remains low. 

The ECDC recommends rapid identification and containment of imported cases and advises travellers visiting affected regions to consider vaccination. 

Timeline of the Mpox Virus’ Spread

Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). For decades, cases were limited mainly to Central and West African countries. 

A 2022 global outbreak marked the virus’s significant spread beyond Central and West Africa – with  clade II of MPXV, endemic in west Africa and not as virulent as clade I MPXV, which is prevalent in  the Congo Basin.

The situation has escalated, with WHO declaring the health emergency in August, after the discovery of a new Clade 1b strand.

How is Mpox Spread, What are the Symptoms and How to Protect Yourself?

The Mpox virus (formerly known as Monkeypox)  belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, though Mpox is generally less severe.  

It is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, bedding, clothing, or towels, entering the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Symptoms of Mpox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills and exhaustion

The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can extend up to 21 days.A rash that typically appears 1 to 3 days after fever onset. The rash starts as flat lesions that turn into fluid-filled blisters and then scabs.

WHO Recommended Preventative Measures

WHO guidelines for the mpox virus suggests the following precautions:

Avoid Close Contact: Limit close contact with individuals showing symptoms, especially those with visible skin lesions. This includes avoiding skin-to-skin contact, kissing, hugging, or sharing personal items like clothing, bedding, or towels.

Practise Good Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or objects.

Vaccination: For travellers at high risk,  WHO recommends considering tecovirimat, originally developed to treat smallpox, which offers some protection against mpox.

Prompt Medical Attention: Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms during or after your trip, especially if you’ve visited high-risk areas.

Will there be another lockdown? How Mpox is Different to COVID-19

Mpox has not reached the global severity of COVID-19, but it remains a concern, particularly for those travelling to endemic regions.

While mpox and COVID-19 are both viral infections, they differ significantly in transmission methods, severity, and global impact: 

Transmission: COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, making it more contagious and capable of causing large outbreaks in public settings. Mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact, limiting its rapid transmission.

Severity and Mortality: COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths worldwide due to its severe respiratory effects. Mpox, while uncomfortable and sometimes severe, has a lower mortality rate.

Public Health Response: The global response to COVID-19 involved strict lockdowns, social distancing, and mass vaccination campaigns. Mpox has been managed through targeted public health interventions, without the need for widespread restrictions.

Health Advice for Travellers on Safari

To minimise your risk while enjoying a safari, consider the following health precautions:

Consult a Travel Clinic: Before your trip, visit a healthcare provider who can advise on vaccinations, preventive measures, and travel-specific health information.

Pack a Medical Kit: Include essential items like hand sanitizers, face masks, insect repellent, and first-aid supplies.

Monitor Local Health Alerts: Stay updated on any mpox outbreaks in the countries or regions you plan to visit.

Speak to a Travel Expert: Discover Africa’s travel experts are based in Africa, and have first-hand experience of top safari destinations. They are able to help you plan the safest itinerary suited to your tastes, and help you avoid any health concerns. 

For more detailed information and personalised travel plans, speak to one of our travel experts on planning your ultimate safari in Africa.