CDC Travel Advisory on Monkeypox: “Practice Elevated Precautions”

In its recommendation, the CDC said that “the risk to the general public is small, but you should seek medical attention immediately if you develop a new, unexplained rash (lesions on any part of the body) with or without a fever and chills.” “

The CDC has three types of levels it could issue, as cases have been reported in dozens of destinations. The levels are:

• View – Level 1: Practice the usual precautions
• Alert – Level 2: Practice enhanced precautions
• Warning – Level 3: Avoid unnecessary travel

Level 2 precautions

The CDC has the following recommendations for travelers as we are in Level 2:

• Avoid close contact with sick people, including those with skin or genital lesions.

• Avoid contact with dead or live wild animals. These include rodents such as rats and squirrels and non-human primates such as monkeys and apes.

• Avoid eating or preparing game meat or using African wildlife products such as creams, lotions and powders.

• Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by sick people, such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare, or materials that have come into contact with infected animals.

Where monkeypox has been reported

Confirmed cases of monkeypox, usually associated with tropical Africa, are now occurring worldwide. Cases have been reported in Europe, North America, South America, North Africa, the Middle East and Australia, according to the CDC.

Here is a CDC list of targets with confirmed cases as of June 6:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• United Kingdom
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Norway
• Portugal
• Scotland
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Wales

Symptoms of monkeypox

According to the CDC, the incubation period is about seven to 14 days. Initial symptoms are typically flu-like, such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle weakness, followed by swelling in the lymph nodes, which help the body fight infection and disease.

“One feature that distinguishes monkeypox infection from smallpox infection is the development of swollen lymph nodes,” the CDC said.

Next comes a widespread rash on the face and body, including the mouth and the palms and soles of the feet. It can also spread to the genital area.

The painful, raised pustules are pearly and fluid-filled, often surrounded by red circles. The lesions eventually crust over and resolve over a period of two to three weeks, the CDC said.

What to do if you get sick

The CDC says the first thing you should do is avoid contact with others. Other advice:

“If possible, call ahead before visiting a health facility. If you cannot call ahead, tell a member of staff as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about monkeypox.”

The CDC says you should tell your doctor any of the following if it’s true in the month before you experience symptoms:

• You have been in contact with someone who may have had monkeypox.

• You are a man who has had intimate contact (including sex) with other men.

• You have been to an area where monkeypox has been reported or to an area where monkeypox is more common (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo). , Sierra Leone and Sudan).

If you are ill and could have monkeypox, the CDC says delay public transit travel until cleared by a health professional or public health official.

CNN’s Sandee LaMotte contributed to this article from previous reports.