British holidaymakers risk catching ‘infectious disease’ that causes ‘chills and exhaustion’

Travellers should also see what health risks they’ll face in Germany, including mpox.

Altitude sickness is also a risk in parts of Germany, including mountainous regions. Holidaymakers can read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

The FCDO provides essential health information in Germany, including vaccine recommendations and health risks, medication, healthcare in the country, and mental health when travelling.

In a medical emergency, holidaymakers are told to dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

The FCDO says: “Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.”

Mpox

TravelHealthPro stated: “On October 18, 2024, a case of mpox clade Ib has been confirmed in Germany, connected to travel abroad.” Tourists were advised to “take extra precautions”.

Holidaymakers can read the latest guidance on mpox, including what it is, its symptoms, prevention and the vaccine.

TravelHealthPro told travellers: “Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the virus MPXV. Other diseases in the same family include variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus and cowpox virus.

“Mpox outbreaks are caused by different types of MPXV called clades.” TravelHealthPro provides important information about the various clades.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024 due to the “rapid increase in confirmed mpox cases in the DRC caused by clade Ib and concerns about spread to neighbouring countries”.

Symptoms

TravelHealthPro warned: “The incubation period (time from infection to first symptoms) for mpox is between five and 21 days. Symptoms usually begin with fever, headache, muscle/backache, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. During this time a person may be infectious.

“Between one to five days after the fever appears, a rash develops, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. This rash goes through different stages, ending with a scab that later falls off. People are contagious until all their scabs fall off and the skin underneath is intact. Scabs may also be infectious.

“Mpox is usually a self-limiting illness with mild symptoms. Most people fully recover after several weeks, without any treatment. However, severe illness, which can be fatal, is a risk for some people. Mpox treatment is mainly supportive. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat severe disease or given to people at high risk of severe disease.

“Mpox infection whilst pregnant can be dangerous for the baby, leading to loss of the pregnancy, still birth, death in the newborn, or complications for the mother.”

How it’s spread

TravelHealthPro stated: “Mpox can spread when a person comes into close contact with an infected animal human or with contaminated material.

“The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

“Mpox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact.”

Spread between people may occur through:

• direct contact with rash, skin lesions or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or other skin-to-skin contact)
• contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, snot or mucous
• contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) or other objects and surfaces used by someone with mpox

Britons are told: “It is possible that clade I mpox may spread between people through close and prolonged face-to-face contact such as talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing close to one another. However, there is currently limited evidence so this will be updated as new information is available.”

TravelHealthPro has essential guidance on prevention and what to do if you experience symptoms abroad.