Here's How Monkeypox Can Affect Travel to EU & Other Nations

Posted on: Jul 4, 2022 | 3 Min | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Here's How Monkeypox Can Affect Travel to EU & Other Nations

With COVID-19 travel curbs getting eased in European nations and other countries, travellers are looking forward to travelling to their desired destination. However, with the emergence of the monkeypox virus, every traveller should know about this disease and take necessary precautions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed over 3,400 reported cases of monkeypox and one related death globally as of June 22, 2022, with the majority of them from Europe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement, "I am deeply concerned about the monkeypox outbreak; this is an evolving health threat that my colleagues and I in the WHO Secretariat are following extremely closely". Suppose you plan a trip to the EU and other nations in the near future. In that case, it is advisable to have an international travel insurance policy and also know how the monkeypox virus can affect your trip.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a large DNA virus belonging to the orthopoxvirus family. Unlike the related smallpox virus, variola, which only affected humans, monkeypox virus is found in rodents and other animals in parts of Africa. While orthopoxviruses do not mutate much, multiple mutations have been described in the virus causing the current outbreak. In the US, at least two separate strains have been circulating. Since the incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days, it takes an average 8.5 days from infection to showing symptoms. The rash caused by monkeypox usually looks like fluid-filled blisters that erupt. People are infectious while they have the rash, and are usually infectious for about two weeks. Past vaccination against smallpox provides 85% protection against monkeypox.

Here's What You Should Know About Monkeypox While Travelling to Following Nations

• United Kingdom

The UK, where the outbreak was first identified, currently has 1076 confirmed cases of monkeypox so far, out of which 1035 have been reported in England. Official guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says anyone who has had direct or household contact with a confirmed case should isolate for 21 days.

• Spain

In Spain, the number of confirmed cases of monkeypox has reached 132. The majority of the cases in Spain have been traced to an adult sauna party in Madrid that has been identified as a superspreader event. A pride festival in the Canary Islands has also been identified as a possible source of the outbreaks.

• Belgium

Belgium has become the first country to impose a quarantine for monkeypox cases. Those infected are required to isolate for 21 days. Contact cases are not obliged to quarantine but they are advised to remain vigilant and avoid contact with vulnerable people.

• Italy

The number of monkeypox cases in Italy has risen to 29. Two of the cases are believed to have holidayed in the Canary Islands where parties are being investigated as another source of infection.

What are Europe's monkeypox travel restrictions?

Currently, the monkeypox outbreak has not resulted in travel restrictions being imposed. However, WHO's Europe regional director Hans Kluge has warned that the transmission could accelerate with the ongoing summer season leading to mass gatherings, festivals and parties. This may prompt stricter restrictions that affect travel in Europe this summer.

Conclusion

With the rise in monkeypox cases throughout Europe and WHO stating that the potential for further transmission of this disease is high, it is safe to travel with an international travel insurance policy. With HDFC ERGO travel insurance policy, you can get coverage amounts ranging from $50K to $500K. Apart from this, it also has a wide network of one lakh plus cashless hospitals worldwide.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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