Mpox in the UAE: What Do We Know About the Situation in the UAE?

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Updated September 2024

Key takeaways:

• No cases in the UAE in 2024; no travel restrictions so far.

• Ministry of Health and Prevention advised people to follow prevention rules, such as avoiding contact and focusing on hand hygiene.

• If you experience any symptoms, visit the nearest health facility under EHS or you can also call 800-8877.

What is Mpox?

Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

Mpox is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding, or other items used in healthcare settings.

In most cases, people typically recover within two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalized. In some cases, however, mpox can also be fatal in up to 6 percent of cases and could also be more severe in children.

On August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to use the term “mpox” as the official name for monkeypox.

 

Mpox in Dubai and the UAE

As of September 2024, the new variant of mpox has not been reported in the UAE. The situation is still developing, and specific details for cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other regions of the UAE have not been reported yet.

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In 2024, there were no confirmed cases of mpox in the UAE, including Dubai, and no patients were officially diagnosed with the disease anywhere in the country. Despite this, the UAE is actively contributing to global health efforts.

Following the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, aircraft carrying mpox vaccines will be sent to five African nations: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. This initiative aims to combat the virus’s outbreak in these regions and underscores the UAE’s strong commitment to global humanitarian and health initiatives. It also reaffirms the country’s ongoing dedication to supporting other nations during crises and disasters.

Travel restrictions

As of the present time, the UAE has not imposed any specific travel restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of mpox. This lack of restrictions extends to Dubai, where no special measures have been introduced. It is important to note that as of now, the UAE authorities have not implemented any particular controls related to travel in response to the mpox situation.

Mpox health guidelines for Dubai and the UAE

The Emirates Health Service has issued comprehensive health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Mpox across the UAE. These guidelines provide important information on safety measures and best practices to help protect individuals and communities from the virus.

Mpox symptoms

The symptoms of mpox can include:

• Fever: A high temperature is one of the early signs.
• Muscle aches: Pain in the muscles and joints may occur.
• Headache: Persistent headaches can be a common symptom.
• Enlarged lymph glands: Swelling of the lymph nodes is typical.
• Skin rash: A rash usually develops within 1 to 3 days following the onset of fever. It often starts as flat spots that evolve into raised bumps and then fluid-filled blisters.
• Back pain: Discomfort or pain in the back may also be experienced.

If you experience any symptoms, you can visit the nearest health facility under EHS or call 800-8877. Inform them if you have had close contact with someone suspected of or confirmed to have mpox.

Mpox prevention

To reduce the risk of contracting mpox, follow these preventive measures:

• Avoid contact: Refrain from contacting individuals who have suspected or confirmed cases of mpox.
• Avoid infected animals and objects: Avoid living or deceased animals that may be infected and objects that have been in contact with sick animals.
• Hand hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching an infected person’s clothing, bed linens, towels, or any items and surfaces they may have touched that could be contaminated with their rash or respiratory secretions (e.g., utensils, dishes).
• Wear a mask: Both you and the infected person should wear medical masks, particularly if the infected person is coughing or has mouth lesions.
• Encourage isolation: If physical contact with an infected person is necessary, such as for health workers or those living together, encourage the infected person to self-isolate and cover any skin lesions with clothing if possible.
• Clean and disinfect: Wash the infected person’s clothing, towels, bed linens, and eating utensils with warm water and detergent. Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces and properly dispose of contaminated waste, such as used dressings.
• Proper food preparation: Ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly before consumption to reduce the risk of infection.

Mpox vaccination

While the UAE is yet to authorize the administration of the mpox vaccine in the country, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has repeatedly advised people to follow all the safety guidelines and take preventative measures to protect themselves from the zoonotic virus within the region. 

If there is a case of mpox, the WHO currently recommends two vaccines for mpox—the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) and the replication-competent smallpox vaccine (ACAM2000)—which are available worldwide but intended only for specific high-risk cases. Mass vaccination is not recommended, but individuals at risk, particularly travelers, may consider getting vaccinated after consulting with healthcare providers for a personalized risk assessment.

Mpox treatment

Symptoms of mpox typically resolve on their own, often without medical treatment, and generally improve within 2 to 4 weeks. Managing the rash by allowing it to dry when possible is important. If needed, you can cover it with a moist dressing to protect the affected area. The primary approach to managing pox is supportive care, which focuses on alleviating symptoms and providing comfort.

How does Mpox spread?

Mpox is contagious while a person is symptomatic, typically lasting between two and four weeks. The virus spreads through close physical contact with someone who has visible symptoms. This includes direct contact with the rash or bodily fluids such as fluid, pus, or blood from skin lesions. Contaminated items, such as clothing, bedding, towels, or eating utensils that have been in contact with an infected person, can also transmit the virus.

Additionally, the virus can be spread through ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth, making saliva a potential source of infection. Those who have close interactions with an infectious person—such as health workers, household members, and sexual partners—are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Mpox can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to the fetus via the placenta or from an infected parent to a child during or shortly after birth through skin-to-skin contact.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans and between people.