Mpox is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through close contact, including sex, and occasionally from the environment to people via things and surfaces that have been touched by a person with mpox.

The most common symptoms include:

• rash
• swollen lymph nodes
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• back and rectal pain
• low energy.

Several countries in east and central Africa are experiencing outbreaks of mpox.

If you are travelling to any of these countries:

• avoid contact with people who have mpox symptoms;
• practice safer sex if you are engaging in sexual activities;
• avoid unprotected contact with wild animals (including their meat and blood), especially those that are sick or dead;
• cook thoroughly any food containing animal parts or meat before eating; and
• clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

WHO does not currently recommend mpox vaccination for travelers. However, if you're at high risk – such as being in close contact with someone with mpox or part of a high-risk group – talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.

If you are returning from any of these countries:

• know mpox symptoms and seek medical attention if you have any symptoms;
• if you think you might have mpox or have been in contact with someone who has mpox, isolate from others until you have been evaluated and tested by health professionals; and
• if you have mpox, you should notify your contacts and isolate yourself from others until all your lesions have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.