What is mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease. Symptoms may include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands. Mpox is most commonly passed on through close physical or sexual contact. Mpox may also be spread through contact with objects contaminated with the virus such as bedding, or body fluids of animals infected wild animals.

For more information about how mpox spreads, people who are most at risk, mpox symptoms, and preventing spread of mpox, please read information on the Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora website via this link. People who are at higher risk for severe disease include pregnant women, infants younger than 1 year, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and people who are immunocompromised.

Types of mpox
There are two genetically and clinically distinct clades or subtypes of mpox virus (MPXV), I and II, and they are endemic to central and west Africa respectively. Clade I has previously been observed to be more transmissible and to cause a higher proportion of severe infections than clade II MPXV. The ongoing global mpox outbreak that began in 2022 is caused by clade II MPXV, and sporadic cases continue to be reported worldwide, including New Zealand.

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency, its highest form of alert, following an outbreak of clade Ib virus, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Kenya.

Prevention advice for travellers
If travelling to mpox-affected countries, persons at higher risk such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, or persons working in affected area health services, should consult with their health care provider regarding extra protective measures. All travellers should take precautions to avoid mpox infections including the following:  

• All travellers to areas where there is a current mpox outbreak should protect themselves by avoiding close physical or sexual contact with people who have skin or genital lesions; avoid contact with dead or live wild animals, avoid contact with materials used by sick people like clothing, bedding, or in healthcare; avoid materials that came in contact with wild animals; and avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat), or using products made from wild animals in countries where mpox occurs in animals.

• Travellers who are at higher risk of severe disease such as pregnant people, infants younger than 1 year, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and people who are immunocompromised) should take extra care to avoid situations that might increase their risk for mpox.

• It is also important to practice good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water and alcohol-based sanitiser.

If you have been in DRC or its neighbouring countries in the last 21 days and develop mpox symptoms stay home, self-isolate and seek medical advice. Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms so it may not be mpox, but it is important to get help.

Some countries are imposing border measures to help prevent the spread of Mpox.

Travellers entering Indonesia need to complete an electronic health declaration form called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. You can complete the form online before you check-in for your flight to Indonesia. After completing the form, a barcode containing your health and travel history will appear. Indonesian authorities will scan the barcode on arrival in Indonesia. Save your barcode, or bring a printed copy with you to ensure authorities can scan it on arrival. If you have Mpox symptoms you may be referred to a hospital for treatment on arrival. 

If you need to visit a medical practice or hospital for care, you should call ahead before visiting to let them know you are coming and tell them about your symptoms. To avoid passing on Mpox to others, wear a well-fitted medical mask, cover any rashes or blisters on your skin, and travel via private transport.

More information about mpox virus can be found on the Te Whatu Ora New Zealand Health or World Health Organisation websites.

Associated Advisories:

• See the Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advisory
• See the Burundi travel advisory
• See the Rwanda travel advisory
• See the Uganda travel advisory
• See the Central African Republic travel advisory
• See the Kenya travel advisory

Reviewed:4 Sep 2024, 08:48