Monkeypox Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know?

Last Updated: January 01, 2023

Monkeypox Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know?

Monkeypox was first detected in 1958 in several laboratory apes and hence got its name. It is endemic in some African countries, however, in May 2023 an international outbreak of the virus has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health emergency.   

 Monkeypox virus is spread mostly through saliva or body fluids. It can also transfer through physical contact including sexual contact with the infected person. The CDC’s travel advisory has an alert level 2 corresponding to “Practice Enhanced Precautions” regarding the Monkeypox virus. 

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus. It was first detected in laboratory apes. Symptoms of Monkeypox virus are similar to those seen in the past, in smallpox patients but it is found to be clinically less severe. It usually causes a mild illness and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. However, death may occur in some cases.  

Monkeypox is regularly found in parts of Central and West Africa, where it has been re-emerging in recent years. Cases outside Central and West Africa have been known to occur usually from infected travelers or transmission from imported animals. 

How Monkeypox Outbreak is Spreading?

According to the World Health Organization, more than 18,000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported across 78 countries. About 10% of cases are admitted to the hospital.  Almost 98% of the cases are among men who have sex with other men. The director-general of WHO has recommended people to practice safe sex and reduce the number of sexual partners. 

Monkeypox virus can spread from person to person, through direct contact with contaminated objects or from animals to humans. Rashes, body fluids, and scabs are particularly infectious. Ulcers, lesions or sores can also be infectious since the virus can be spread through saliva. 

Monkeypox Advices for Travelers

Currently, no countries have applied any travel related restrictions and bans related to the Monkeypox virus. However, if the WHO declares a Monkeypox international emergency, countries will most probably apply travel and trade restrictions and bans. WHO has advised suspected people to stay in isolation during the presumed or known infectious period. 

Travelers are suggested to visit local health care professionals prior to their travel. You should delay your travel if you have any symptoms of Monkeypox or have been diagnosed with the disease. Avoiding close physical contact including sexual contact with people who have or may have Monkeypox. You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. Traveling to different places, you need to be careful and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects. 

CDC Travel Alert Level for Monkeypox

With more than 18000 cases all over the world, the Monkeypox virus is growing more serious and is feared to grow into a pandemic. The CDC has proposed an “Alert- Level 2” advisory for travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” following the increase in infected people from the Monkeypox virus. 

The CDC has a total of three possible levels when it comes to Monkeypox travel advisories. The CDC travel alert is currently at a level 2. Level 1 was the “watch” level, which simply meant “practical usual Precautions”. The highest alert level, level 3 which is the “warning” level and means “Avoid Nonessential Travel”. 

How Serious Is Monkeypox?

The WHO recently declared the spread of Monkeypox virus as a global health emergency. Only after a few months of its reported international outbreak, the Monkeypox virus has infected over 18000 people all over the world. From the family of the smallpox, this disease is typically a much milder condition.  

Monkeypox is not that easily contagious as the coronavirus but it can still spread from person to person through sexual contact, kissing, hugging and through contaminated clothing, towels and bed sheets.  The reported number of deaths from the virus is quite small but that doesn't mean that it will not turn into something deadly. 

Is Monkeypox Very Contagious ?

 Monkeypox is a transferable disease. It can spread by touching or sharing infected items like clothing and bedding, or by the respiratory droplets produced by sneezing or coughing according to the WHO. It is mostly transferred from infected animals, through an animal bite, scratch, bodily fluids, feces or by consuming meat that isn't cooked enough.

Monkeypox is also transferred from mother to fetus via the placenta or during close contact during and after birth. A majority of the cases recently have been in young men who have sex with men. It is advised by the WHO to practice safe sex to control the spread of the disease.   

Tips on Traveling Safely Amid Monkeypox Outbreak

Monkeypox is transmitted mostly through physical contact. Travelers are suggested to visit their local health care prior to the trip. Avoid any contact with people who have or may have been infected with the Monkeypox virus. Some of the tips on traveling safely in the Monkeypox outbreak are given below:

Do your research 

Before traveling to any other places it is very important for you to do your research on that place. Make sure you know if the place is affected by the Monkeypox virus and the type of restrictions or bans that are applied. Most countries have yet to apply any restrictions or bans for traveling but have made a compulsory isolation period for people who may show any signs of Monkeypox virus. 

Wear mask 

 The Monkeypox virus is not as contagious as the corona virus but it is still transmitted through body fluids and physical contact. While traveling, we may get in contact with various people so we need to take precautions ahead. Wearing a mask while talking to other people can minimize the chances of getting contaminated through saliva. We should also maintain social distance to prevent the chances of its spread. 

Avoid contact from infected people

The Monkeypox virus is transferred through contact with infected persons or through animals. Rashes, body fluids, and scabs are particularly infectious. Ulcers, lesions or sores can also be infectious since the virus can be spread through saliva. Travelers are suggested to avoid any sorts of physical contact with the infected person and also avoid direct contact with the infected objects. 

Wash hands frequently

 To prevent the Monkeypox virus from spreading any further, we need to take preventive measures against it. WHO has advised people to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds? You should use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in cases where soap and water are not accessible.  

Practice safe sex

People should practice safe sex while travelling. You should avoid close contact including sexual contact with someone who is unwell or may have Monkeypox virus. You should minimize the number of sexual partners you have to decrease the risk of being infected. As it is transferred through body fluids, practicing safe sex and use a condom while having sex. 

Conclusion: Monkeypox Travel Advisory

Following the international outbreak in May 2023, the Monkeypox virus has infected over 18000 people worldwide causing the WHO to announce a global health emergency. The CDC travel advisory has an alert level 2 against the Monkeypox virus which corresponds to “practice enhanced precautions”. There are not any restrictions or bans regarding travel in any countries but you should take some precautions while traveling and minimize the spread of the virus. 

Get More Info Now »

Volunteer Abroad Destinations
Our Volunteers' Experiences and Reviews

I met calm, nice and good people.

Thank you for welcoming me into this program.

volunteer review marina

- Marina Parejo

Spain, Volunteered in Sri Lanka Monastery

I would recommend this as it is a very full immersive experience in the beautiful Kenyan culture and there is a lot to be learnt.

volunteer testimony Anna

- Anna Avataneo,

Italy, Volunteered in Kenya Medical Project

My volunteering assignment has been a humbling and wonderful experience!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

volunteer testimony charity

- Charity Mcdonald,

Canada, Volunteered in Nepal Monastery

In our journey of more than 9 years, we hosted and enrolled hundreds of volunteers. All the good reviews from our previous participants say it all.

volunteer fdip - Volunteer Reviews

group volunteer

Banner Sustainable Farming , Himalayan Community Stay & Volunteer Program

Featured Volunteer Programs
Recent Articles
Most Popular