On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization declared the outbreaks of mpox in African countries to be a public health emergency of international concern. The risk of mpox is assessed to be low for most MU travelers. Out of an abundance of caution, the MU Student Health Center has provided the following guidance for students studying or participating in university-related travel abroad to impacted areas.

Travelers should:

• Avoid close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with mpox.
• Observe hand and respiratory hygiene and safer-sex practices.
• Avoid consumption of bushmeat and direct contact with rodents and other animals in affected areas.

Mpox vaccinations should be considered for high-risk persons and persons with known, suspected or anticipated exposure to someone with mpox.

As always, students traveling abroad are advised to schedule a pre-travel health appointment with the MU Student Health Center Travel Health Clinic.