The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique has issued a health alert following the Mozambican government’s declaration of an outbreak of mpox clade Ib. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
The embassy advises individuals to review information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about mpox at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.html. It also recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching your face, or after using the bathroom.
Anyone who develops a new unexplained skin rash—with or without fever and chills—should seek medical care immediately and avoid contact with others. The embassy suggests calling ahead before visiting a healthcare facility if possible, or notifying staff upon arrival about concerns regarding mpox.
Travelers are encouraged to consult their travel insurance providers about options for medical evacuation in case they fall ill while overseas. A list of local medical providers is available through the embassy’s resources.
Vaccination against mpox is recommended for those anticipating certain activities during travel to countries where person-to-person transmission of clade I mpox is ongoing. These activities include sex with new partners, sex at commercial venues such as clubs or bathhouses, intimate contact in exchange for goods or services, and sex associated with large public events like raves or festivals.
The embassy urges travelers to avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of mpox—including those with skin or genital lesions—as well as contact with materials contaminated by sick individuals or infected animals. Individuals should also avoid situations that may increase risk for infection, particularly those who are pregnant, infants under one year old, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and immunocompromised individuals.
Eating bushmeat or using products derived from wild animals is discouraged as part of efforts to prevent infection.
"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."