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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel health alert advising American citizens to take enhanced precautions when traveling to Sierra Leone, following an outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the country.
The alert, which also covers Liberia and Guinea, comes as part of the CDC’s Level 2 travel advisory, urging travelers to be particularly cautious due to confirmed cases of Clade II mpox in both Sierra Leone and Liberia, and a diphtheria outbreak in Guinea’s Kankan region.
Why Sierra Leone Is in Focus
In Sierra Leone, health authorities have confirmed multiple cases of mpox affecting both males and females equally unlike the 2022 global outbreak which primarily impacted men who have sex with men. The CDC has warned that the virus can spread rapidly in communities where vaccination rates are low or where travelers engage in high-risk behavior.
Mpox is a viral illness spread through close contact with an infected person, contaminated objects like bedding or clothing, or exposure to infected wild animals. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While the disease is generally mild in healthy individuals, it can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems.
The CDC advises the following precautions for Americans planning to travel to Sierra Leone:
Vaccination: Consider getting the two-dose JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, especially if engaging in activities such as forming new sexual partnerships, attending large gatherings, or visiting commercial sex venues.
Avoid Close Contact: Steer clear of anyone displaying symptoms like rash or fever.
Avoid Bushmeat: Do not handle or consume wild animals, including bushmeat, which may carry the virus.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and sanitize items that may have come into contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
“For travelers to Sierra Leone, it’s essential to be aware of mpox risks and ensure you’re adequately protected,” said Dr. Philip Chan, professor of medicine at Brown University. “The good news is that mpox is preventable with vaccines and responsible behavior.”
Dr. Mark Slifka of Oregon Health and Science University emphasized that mpox does not spread easily through casual contact but remains a risk through intimate or prolonged physical exposure. He warned that unvaccinated individuals especially those with underlying health conditions face higher risks of complications.
“For mpox, there’s a personal risk as well as the danger of spreading the disease to family and close contacts,” Slifka noted.
Dr. Vaithi Arumugaswami from UCLA further warned that travelers could become infected and not show symptoms until they return home, which increases the risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus.
The CDC advises all travelers returning from Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Guinea to monitor their health for at least two weeks. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as rash, fever, or swollen glands should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their recent travel history and vaccination status.
