The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Monkeypox in multiple countries, including Ghana. Risk to the general public is low, but you should seek medical care immediately and avoid contact with others if you develop any new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills. If possible, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. If you are not able to call ahead, tell a staff member as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about monkeypox. If you are sick and could have monkeypox, delay travel by public transportation until you have been cleared by a healthcare professional or public health official.
Travelers should avoid:
· Close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions
· Contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes)
· Contact with contaminated materials used by sick people (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that have come into contact with infected animals
· Eating or preparing meat from wild game (bushmeat) or using products derived from wild animals from Africa (creams, lotions, powders)
Actions to Take and Further Information:
· The World Health Organization determination that the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
· All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
For Consular Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana
o Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
o Email: ACSAccra@state.gov
· Country Information Page for Ghana
· State Department – Consular Affairs
o +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
