Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

How Travelers Can Avoid Monkeypox

The rare disease has spread beyond Africa to Europe, North America, Australia and Israel

spinner image In this photo illustration, the word Monkeypox is seen with a world map
SOPA Images/Getty Images

 

Federal health officials are alerting Americans traveling overseas that cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in 16 countries outside of West Africa, where the rare disease is more commonly found. So far no travel restrictions have been placed on any of these locations.

Monkeypox usually infects people who come in contact with either the skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected animals or people. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those infected are usually sick for two to four weeks.

“Risk to the general public is low, but you should seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body) with or without fever and chills and avoid contact with others,” the CDC says on its website.

As of May 23, confirmed cases outside West Africa have been reported in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. According to the CDC, only one case of monkeypox has been confirmed in the U.S. The CDC is not recommending that people avoid traveling to the countries with confirmed cases. But the agency does have some tips for what travelers should avoid:

  • Animals. Don’t touch live or dead animals, such as small mammals, including rodents, and monkeys and apes.
  • Markets or farms with animals.
  • Close contact with people who are sick, including those with skin or genital lesions.
  • Eating or preparing meat from wild game, commonly known as bushmeat, or handling cream, lotions, powders or other products derived from wild animals from Africa.
  • Contact with items that sick people may have used, such as clothing, bedding or materials used in health care settings.

 

Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

AARP Travel Center

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Flight 2

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 3

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 4

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 5

Enter a valid departing date

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date


Occupants of Room 1:



Occupants of Room 2:



Occupants of Room 3:



Occupants of Room 4:



Occupants of Room 5:



Occupants of Room 6:



Occupants of Room 7:



Occupants of Room 8:


Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Occupants of Room 1:

Age of children:


Occupants of Room 2:

Age of children:


Occupants of Room 3:

Age of children:


Occupants of Room 4:

Age of children:


Occupants of Room 5:

Age of children:

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid start date

Please select a Pick Up Time from the list

Enter a valid drop off date

Please select Drop Off Time from the list

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date