U.S. Travelers Visiting Clade I Mpox Outbreaks Should be Vaccinated

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today issued Health Alert Network Health Update (CDCHAN-00516) to provide additional information about the ongoing outbreak of clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV), the virus that causes mpox.

As of September 23, 2024, no cases of clade I mpox have been identified in the U.S.

This mpox strain is more severe than the clade 2 strain circulating in the U.S. since May 2022.

The CDC urges travelers to vaccinate against mpox if they are heading to Eastern and Central African countries where clade 1 MPXV has been spreading.

Furthermore, healthcare providers and travel vaccine experts should recommend vaccination to those whose activities place them at risk.

This is essential advice since clade 1 mpox cases have recently been confirmed in international travelers.

For example, The Mint reported a man from Malappuram district in Kerala, India, has been detected with Mpox clad I. The patient had returned from the United Arab Emirates.

According to the CDC, two doses of JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN®, IMVAMUNE®, IMVANEX®) should be given at least six weeks before traveling abroad. This U.S. FDA-approved vaccine is available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.