We understand that recent news reports about the Mpox outbreak in Africa may be concerning to you if you are traveling to Africa soon. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the rise in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease related to the now-eradicated smallpox virus. 

Rest assured, your health and safety are our utmost priority, and we’re dedicated to keeping you informed with clear and accurate information regarding any upcoming trips.

Understanding the Situation

Africa is a vast and diverse continent, geographically larger than China, the United States, and Europe combined. The current Mpox outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and doesn’t pose a widespread risk across the entire continent. To put this into perspective: the distance between the DRC and South Africa is approximately 1,864 miles, roughly equivalent to the distance from London to Moscow or New York City to Denver.

Transmission and Risk

Mpox spreads through close personal contact, such as skin-to-skin contact or bodily fluids. Therefore, the risk of contracting Mpox on an airplane or during your safari is extremely low, especially when following basic hygiene guidelines, like regular handwashing.

It’s important to note that cases in Africa remain very contained.

In East Africa, from January 2024 to date there have been:

  • 0 cases in Tanzania
  • 1 confirmed case in Kenya. Reported in Taita-Taveta county. The patient has undergone treatment and has healed. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional cases have been reported.
  • 2 confirmed cases in Uganda. Reported in the Kasese District. All patients are undergoing treatment. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional cases have been reported.
  • 4 confirmed cases in Rwanda. Reported in people who frequently travel to the DRC. All patients are undergoing treatment. Contact tracing has been carried out and no additional cases have been reported.

In South Africa, between May and July:

  • 22 cases were reported, with two additional cases recorded in August, bringing the total to just 24 cases. This low number, in a country of nearly 60 million people, demonstrates that the situation is well-managed and the risk to travelers remains minimal.  

For those traveling to Africa, there’s no need to cancel your plans. There are currently no additional travel restrictions or advisories for travel to Africa and safaris continue throughout the region. We are meticulously monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with our partners on the ground who are in contact with local authorities and health organizations.

Our Commitment to Your Safety

We emphasize that your safety is paramount. We are diligently following these steps:

•    Close Monitoring: We’re in constant communication with local authorities for new developments.
•    Strict Safety Protocols: We adhere to stringent health and safety measures, updating protocols as necessary based on expert recommendations.
•    Open Communication: Should any concerns arise that could impact your itinerary, we will contact you immediately.

Staying Informed & Traveling with Confidence

We encourage you to stay informed through reliable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Based on current information and the localized nature of the outbreak, there is no need to alter your travel plans. Relax and enjoy your trip exploring the beauty of Africa with peace of mind.

We are Here for You

We, along with our trusted safari partners throughout the region continue to exercise care and diligence concerning safety and hygiene. We are confident in our ability to provide you and your clients with a safe and unforgettable travel experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification.

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