ECDC updates its advice on who should get mpox vaccinations 

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has revised its guidance in light of new outbreaks of a different mpox strain. The ECDC advises that travellers to affected regions in Africa should consider vaccination against the disease.

Although the World Health Organization has recently classified the mpox situation as a global emergency, the ECDC maintains that the likelihood of widespread transmission remains low. 

However, it does warn that isolated cases could occur in other regions, including Europe. A recent mpox case in Sweden was traced back to someone who contracted the virus while in an area of Africa experiencing an outbreak.

The ECDC urges public health authorities to prepare for swift identification of any additional cases that might emerge in Europe. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is transmissible through close contact with an infected person.

For those previously vaccinated against mpox, a single booster shot may suffice, rather than the usual two doses. Booster doses are generally recommended every two to ten years for individuals who remain at ongoing risk of exposure.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a new strain of mpox, known as Clade 1b, has caused the deaths of at least 450 people in recent months. The virus leads to flu-like symptoms, and skin lesions, and can be fatal in some cases.

Mpox spreads through:

• Direct physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, including during intimate activities like sex, kissing, cuddling, or hand-holding.
• Contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels.
• Exposure to the coughs or sneezes of an infected person in close proximity.

Experts note that much remains unknown about Clade 1b, but it appears to spread more easily and cause more severe illness than previous strains. The 2022 public health emergency was triggered by a different, less severe strain known as Clade 2. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, distribution remains inadequate in the areas most in need.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC noted: “As a result of the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travellers to affected areas. Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported Clade 1 cases.”