Travel Alert Issued for Austria and Sweden Over Mpox Outbreak
Travel Health Pro has issued an urgent advisory urging travellers to "take extra precautions" following confirmed cases of the highly contagious clade Ib strain of mpox in Austria and Sweden. The health organisation confirmed that cases have been recorded between early February and mid-March 2026, marking a significant development in the spread of this disease.
Confirmed Case Numbers in European Nations
According to Travel Health Pro's latest update, six cases of clade Ib mpox have been reported in Austria and seven cases in Sweden during the period from 1 February to 12 March 2026. The clade Ib variant is known to transmit more readily than the clade II strain, which caused a widespread outbreak across the United Kingdom in 2022.
Understanding Mpox Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through direct physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. Symptoms typically develop between five and 21 days after exposure. Early warning signs include:
- High temperature and severe headaches
- Muscle aches, backache, and joint pain
- Swollen glands, chills, and extreme tiredness
A rash may appear anywhere on the body within one to five days of symptom onset. The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that very young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems—particularly those with uncontrolled HIV—face an elevated risk of severe complications, which can be fatal.
Global Context and Previous Outbreaks
Throughout 2024, numerous African countries grappled with outbreaks of clade Ib mpox. Since then, imported cases have emerged in several nations, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. In a concerning development for British travellers, Spain—a popular holiday destination—reported a total of 82 cases of mpox clade Ib last month.
UK Situation and Health Authority Guidance
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the first case of mpox clade Ib infection in the UK on 30 October 2024. Up to 31 January 2026, 25 cases have been reported, with most linked to travel to countries where the strain is circulating. The NHS advises ringing 111 if you exhibit mpox symptoms and have visited central or eastern Africa within the previous three weeks, especially after close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Minimising Risk: Practical Measures
While mpox remains rare, health authorities emphasise proactive measures to reduce transmission risk:
- Get vaccinated if offered the mpox vaccine
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitiser
- Monitor for symptoms for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa
- Discuss sexual health with partners and be aware of symptoms if sexually active
- Avoid sex and intimate contact if symptomatic until cleared by a doctor
- Do not share bedding or towels with potentially infected individuals
- Maintain distance (over one metre) from those who may have mpox
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals and refrain from handling wild animal meat in affected regions
This comprehensive guidance aims to protect travellers and prevent further spread as health organisations monitor the evolving situation across Europe.
