US CDC Issues Monkeypox Travel Alert... "Avoid Individuals with Skin Lesion Symptoms"

"Diagnosis: 'The Infection Risk to the General Public Is Currently Low'"

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As cases of monkeypox infection are occurring worldwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged international travelers on the 25th (local time) to be cautious of monkeypox.

On the same day, the CDC raised the alert level to Level 2, which means increased vigilance, reflecting reported cases of monkeypox infections in North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions.

Level 2 is higher than Level 1, which calls for normal caution, but lower than Level 3, which advises refraining from non-essential travel.

The CDC recommended, "Travelers should avoid close contact with people who have the disease, including skin or genital lesions," and "Do not eat wild animal meat or use products such as creams and lotions derived from African wild animals."

Additionally, the CDC observed that the general public's risk of contracting monkeypox is currently low. However, if a new unexplained skin rash appears, it advised seeking medical attention immediately regardless of fever or chills and avoiding contact with others.

Monkeypox initially presents symptoms similar to smallpox upon infection, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, lymphadenitis, and fatigue. Subsequently, blisters and scabs develop on the skin. Infected individuals usually recover within weeks, but severe cases can occur.

The incubation period for monkeypox is typically 7 to 14 days, but it can manifest as early as 5 days or as late as 21 days.

As of the 23rd, the CDC reported monkeypox infection cases in a total of 16 countries.