The new monkeypox (mpox) virus variant "Clade 1b" is now spreading rapidly in several African countries, having already caused more than 500 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More recently, the new variant has also been detected in Sweden, the first confirmed case in Europe.
What you need to know about monkeypox virus?
Until now, the virus has been found in various rodents and monkeys, from which humans can also be infected. Further, the virus can also be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with an infected person's skin lesions, exhalation, prolonged human contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a rash that looks like acne or blisters.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), most people will have a mild course if they become ill. At the same time, people with various chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems should be particularly cautious.
How to avoid monkeypox?
According to information gathered by the ECDC, the current outbreak hotspots are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. The ECDC also believes there's currently no reason to panic about the possibility of a widespread outbreak in Europe.
Balcia urges people not to travel to countries where outbreaks have been detected to avoid endangering their health or to get vaccinated in advance if they have not yet received the monkey pox vaccine. However, if it's impossible to cancel a trip, we strongly advise taking out a travel insurance policy that covers the risk of monkeypox pandemic. In the unlucky event, the disease should reach pandemic levels, this way all expenses will be covered.
As noted by Balcia's CEO: "With adequate travel insurance, travelers can continue to plan their autumn season trips smoothly, and be confident that their insurer will cover losses if there is a pandemic in the country at the time of travel."
Already on your way? Grab your travel insurance at the airport! The Balcia mobile app allows you to take out any policy in a few simple steps, manage all your policies in a single place, and easily submit claims at any stage of your journey. What's more, Balcia travel insurance will be valid starting the day after purchase and apply 24/7 in any country worldwide.
Meanwhile, if you want to be part of the solution and want to try work in insurance, hop onto our vacancies page and see what your career at Balcia could look like!
