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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued two travel warnings, advising Americans to practice “enhanced precautions” when traveling to three countries.

The CDC warned travelers of “confirmed and suspect cases” of diphtheria in the Kankan region of Guinea, as well as outbreaks of mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“I would be most concerned about diphtheria,” a medical expert told Newsweek in part. “Diphtheria was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the past and especially in children under the age of 15 years of whom 5 to 10 percent died.”

The CDC, like the Department of State, releases travel warnings using a four-level system—with Level 1 indicating the lowest risk associated with the country, while Level 4 warns Americans not to go to a certain destination.

Why It Matters

Travel advisories highlight the need for Americans to stay aware and advised about the safety and health risks associated with countries when going abroad, particularly as diseases like mpox and diphtheria can spread rapidly and have significant health impacts if not properly managed.

File photo: Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, West Africa, seen from the top of the ruins of Hotel Ducor. File photo: Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, West Africa, seen from the top of the ruins of Hotel Ducor. jbdodane/Getty Images

What To Know

Mpox, commonly known as Monkeypox, can be transmitted via close or intimate contact, including sexual activity, as well as from contaminated bedding, clothing, or dishware, and through contact with wild animals.

Symptoms often include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. There is an available vaccine for the disease, which the CDC has advised certain Americans to have.

The CDC recommends that all travelers engaging in activities such as new sexual partnerships, massages, commercial sex venues, or large gatherings consider the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccination for Mpox a few weeks before travel.

In its advisory on Sierra Leone and Liberia, the CDC said that outbreaks of Clade II mpox, one of the two types of mpox, have been confirmed in both countries.

The outbreaks have affected both males and females equally, contrasting the 2022 global spread that primarily impacted men who have sex with men.

Travelers are also advised to avoid contact with those who appear symptomatic and to avoid bushmeat or wild animal exposure.

Meanwhile, diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause severe respiratory problems and, if untreated, may be fatal in serious cases. It is transmitted via respiratory droplets, i.e. coughing and sneezing, and skin contact.

For those planning on visiting Guinea, especially in the Kankan region, the CDC has advised travelers to ensure their diphtheria vaccination is current and to discuss booster shots with their healthcare providers.

Travelers should also observe strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding individuals with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever.

The CDC also emphasized rapid action if either illness develops during or after travel.

Those feeling unwell upon their return from any of the three countries are urged to seek immediate medical care and inform medical personnel about recent travel history and vaccination status.

What People Are Saying

Dr Philip Chan, a professor of medicine at Brown University, Rhode Island, told Newsweek: “It’s concerning that we’re seeing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in some of these countries. The good news is that they are preventable with currently available vaccines. For people traveling to affected countries, I would recommend discussing with a physician and making sure you are vaccinated against these infections.

“I would be most concerned about diphtheria. Diphtheria was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the past and especially in children under the age of 15 years of whom 5 to 10 percent died. It’s important for adults who are traveling to affected countries to make sure they are up to date on their diphtheria booster because immunity does wane over time in many adults. In general, if people are up to date with vaccinations and take reasonable precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands, and others, then I wouldn’t worry as much.”

What Happens Next

The CDC will continue to monitor outbreaks and update advisories for different countries over the course of the year. Americans considering travel to Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Guinea should consult the latest CDC and State Department recommendations prior to booking travel, and prepare accordingly.