The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel health notice, advising American travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, due to recent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The advisory, updated this week, highlights confirmed cases of Clade II mpox in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and a diphtheria outbreak in the Kankan region of Guinea. Travelers are urged to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Mpox Outbreak in Sierra Leone Raises Concern
Health authorities in Sierra Leone have reported multiple mpox cases affecting both men and women — a departure from the 2022 global outbreak, which predominantly affected men who have sex with men. The CDC warns that the virus, while generally mild in healthy individuals, can spread quickly in areas with low vaccination coverage or among individuals engaging in high-risk behavior.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a contagious viral illness transmitted through close personal contact, exposure to contaminated objects such as bedding and clothing, or direct interaction with infected animals. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and headaches.
CDC Recommends Key Precautions
The CDC is advising U.S. citizens planning to travel to Sierra Leone or the affected neighboring countries to:
- Consider Vaccination: Travelers, particularly those engaging in new sexual relationships, attending large events, or visiting commercial sex venues, are encouraged to receive the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine.
- Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from individuals with visible rashes or symptoms such as fever and swollen glands.
- Steer Clear of Bushmeat: Do not handle or consume wild animals, which can be carriers of the virus.
- Maintain Hygiene: Regular handwashing and disinfection of surfaces and personal items are strongly advised.
“It’s important for travelers heading to Sierra Leone to understand the risks of mpox and take steps to protect themselves,” said Dr. Philip Chan, professor of medicine at Brown University. “Fortunately, with proper vaccination and preventive measures, mpox is highly preventable.”
Dr. Mark Slifka of Oregon Health & Science University emphasized that while mpox is not easily spread through casual contact, it remains a concern through prolonged or intimate physical exposure.
“Those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised are particularly at risk for serious complications,” he noted.
Adding to the concern, Dr. Vaithi Arumugaswami of UCLA pointed out that travelers might contract the virus without immediate symptoms, making it possible to unknowingly transmit the disease after returning home.
Returning Travelers Urged to Monitor Health
The CDC advises all travelers returning from Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Guinea to closely monitor their health for at least 21 days. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of their recent travel and vaccination history.
As global travel resumes, U.S. health authorities continue to stress the importance of staying informed and protected, particularly when visiting regions experiencing outbreaks of communicable diseases.