Health Alert: Mozambique, Mpox Outbreak Declared

Location: Countrywide  

Event: The Government of Mozambique declared an outbreak of MPOX clade Ib. Mpox is a disease caused by an infection with a virus known as Monkeypox virus.

Actions to Take:

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) information about mpox at About Mpox | Mpox | CDC.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

• Seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, and avoid contact with others. If possible, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. If you are not able to call ahead, tell a staff member as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about Mpox.

• Refer to our list of medical providers.

• Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas.

• Talk to your doctor about vaccination options. Mpox vaccination is recommended for people who anticipate any of the following activities during travel to countries with ongoing person-to-person transmission of clade I mpox:

o    Sex with a new partner

o    Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., sex club or bathhouse)

o    Sex or intimate contact (e.g. massage) in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade

o    Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., rave, party, or festival)

o    Learn more about which activities may increase your risk for mpox and how you can reduce your risk of mpox, including getting vaccinated if you’re eligible.

• Travelers should AVOID: 

o    Close contact with people who are sick with signs and symptoms of mpox, including those with skin or genital lesions.

o    Contact with contaminated materials used by sick people (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that came into contact with infected animals.

o    Situations  that might increase your risk for mpox, especially for people with risk factors for infection  and/or who are at risk for severe disease  (e.g., pregnant people, infants younger than one year, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and people who are immunocompromised).

o    Eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.