In Global Guardian's "Your Questions Answered" series, our experts address pressing questions on current events, providing insight and analysis on the issues that impact your personal safety, business operations, and travel security.
Read below for insights from our analysts and subject matter experts, and get in touch with our team for further support and guidance.
This week’s question
September 3, 2024
Massachusetts is on high alert for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a deadly mosquito virus that has been confirmed to have infected one man this month. MA has not seen an EEE outbreak in four years, prompting the state to respond swiftly by banning outdoor activities in some areas and closing parks and fields in others. Should travelers postpone their plans to MA? What should MA businesses and families do in response?
Additionally, the World Health Organization launched a strategic preparedness and response plan to combat the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What should travelers take into consideration if they are going into affected areas? What is Global Guardian’s assessment of the potential for a global outbreak?
Global Guardian’s response
Provided by: Christopher N. White, M.D., M.S., Deputy Medical Director at Global Guardian
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare mosquito-borne illness most common in and around freshwater swamps in the Atlantic, Gulf Coast and Great Lake regions. People who frequent these areas and spend significant time outdoors are at risk. Humans are dead-end hosts; we are not contagious nor do we transmit it beyond our own infection. Most people exposed to EEE will not develop symptoms. Less than 5% of those that contract EEE will experience the serious complication of encephalitis. Those at extremes of age are at greatest risk. On average there are only 11 cases per year.
The best prevention is to modify behaviors that increase risks of mosquito exposure. The CDC has many excellent resources on mosquitos; travelers should read and be familiar with CDC recommendations. Postponing routine and business travel where activities are mostly conducted indoors is not necessary. If travel does include significant time with outdoor activities (camping, hiking, swimming in stagnant fresh bodies of water, etc.) strongly consider postponing those trips until cooler weather forces mosquitos into dormancy. Basic steps such as wearing loose-fitting long-length clothing to cover exposed skin, treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin (effective even after multiple washings), using EPA-registered insect repellants, and minimizing time outdoors between dusk and dawn are the most effective preventative measures.
Mpox (previously Monkey Pox) is a viral smallpox-like disease, not related to chickenpox, that can be spread between animals and people. Spread occurs via direct contact with infected animals, intimate contact with other individuals, or direct contact with contaminated articles. Not considered to be a life-threatening illness, severe disease can occur in those with weak immune systems, extremes of age, pregnant women, and those with a history of eczema. Prevention during travel should focus on avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with animals known to carry the virus, people with a rash consistent with Mpox or during certain social gatherings, as well as safe sexual practices amongst high-risk communities/individuals. Vaccines are available to those considered to be at higher risk.
Risk assessment of a global outbreak is low. It has been two years since the unprecedented global outbreak with a quiet 2023 summer. Current testing capabilities are much faster and more robust than mid-2022. Public health monitoring measures are now in place across the U.S. and in many other places world wide. Organizations such as the WHO are making significant efforts at every level to mitigate spread.
Travelers should take into consideration mpox is mostly spread via sexual and intimate contact. The gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men communities are at greatest risk. However, if going into affected areas, travelers should receive the JYNNEOS vaccine, two doses, four weeks apart, prior to arrival. Modify activities that increase close personal contact with high-risk groups and social gatherings. Avoid activities that would result in close skin-to-skin contact with animals (rodents, primates) known to carry mpox as well as with individuals that have a rash consistent with mpox. The rash can appear in any location on the body. Even if a scab is present, spread can still occur. Do not kiss, cuddle, hug or have sex with anyone that has mpox. Avoid contact with objects that may carry the mpox virus (utensils, cups, bedding, towels, clothing). Follow CDC recommended steps to cleaning and disinfecting if you suspect you may be in contact with an infected individual. Wash your hands often with soap and water or utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after eating, going to the bathroom, or touching your face.
The CDC is the main source of information for stats and recommendations provided above.
Key Takeaways
There is no need for extreme caution regarding either of these viruses at this time, but continue to follow local guidance and maintain best practices when traveling, particularly to areas where outbreaks have been reported.
Standing by to Support
The Global Guardian team is standing by to support your duty of care and security requirements with a comprehensive suite of solutions. To learn more about our services, complete the form below or call us at + 1 (703) 566-9463.
