Farhan Rafi, travel intelligence analyst at Riskline, reveals how travel companies can reassure and advise customers throughout the crisis
The recent mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic has raised some concerns for the travel industry and for travel companies.
The outbreak intensified in 2024, driven by the more highly transmissible Clade I strain. According to the World Health Organisation, over 120 countries reported the virus between January 2022 and August 2024, with more than 100,000 laboratory-confirmed cases. Often known as monkeypox, mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy.
Many countries with robust healthcare infrastructure, such as Japan and the United States, have kept the situation under control. However, the situation is different in countries with strained and fragile healthcare systems, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The mpox outbreak has had a limited effect on travel, with most destinations adopting precautionary measures rather than imposing significant restrictions. Since cross-border travellers are often the cause of new infections in neighbouring countries, surveillance measures have been implemented in over 60 destinations. The measures include filling out a health declaration, thermal screening, observation, random testing and contact tracing.
Destinations most impacted by mpox
Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), has seen the highest number of cases. Neighbouring countries like Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have responded by enforcing border checks and public health measures to contain the virus.
Isolated cases have been reported in Southeast Asia and Europe, in countries such as Thailand and Sweden. However, these occurrences remain minor compared to the outbreaks in Central Africa.
Most destinations remain open, and the majority of travellers are not impacted by major restrictions. However, some of them may encounter brief health checks at entry points, particularly in countries with reported cases, such as:
- Argentina
- Angola
- China
- Egypt
- India
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Turkey
Many governments are implementing basic screening procedures at airports, including temperature checks and health declarations. These measures ensure safety while keeping travel disruptions to a minimum.
Who is most vulnerable to mpox?
Mpox does not present a significant risk for the vast majority of travellers. People with weakened immune systems or those planning to visit areas with active outbreaks are at slightly higher risk. However, simple precautions can greatly reduce the chances of contracting it.
Those travelling to the affected areas should avoid close contact with sick people as well as with materials used by them. It is recommended not to eat wild game or bushmeat, come into contact with dead or live wild animals such as rodents and primates, or use products derived from wild animals from Africa. Practising social distancing and maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing or the use of disinfectants, is strongly advised.
As a precaution, travellers should be vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine, which is 85 percent effective against mpox. While there is no specific treatment, the virus can be controlled through medicine, with most patients recovering within a month.
Why travel companies need to reassure and advise customers
As the mpox situation evolves, it is crucial for travel companies to actively communicate with their customers about any potential risks and preventive measures. Clear guidance on health and safety can help build trust, especially when travelling to regions with active outbreaks. Travel companies should advise customers on how to protect themselves, from avoiding contact with animals to ensuring they are vaccinated if necessary. For higher-risk individuals, such as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional to confirm fitness for travel.
Travel companies can also advise customers to purchase travel insurance and review their policies, ensuring coverage includes medical evacuation options, as treatment availability may vary across destinations. Providing up-to-date information about screening processes and health checks at airports will also reassure travellers and prevent confusion.
By taking these steps, travel companies can help minimise disruptions, ensure customer safety, and maintain confidence in travel planning during the outbreak.