Global Travel

Monkeypox – an illness caused by infection with the monkeypox virus – has been reported in several countries where it’s not typically found. Global Operations is monitoring the outbreak and encourages Tufts international travelers to review the information below.

Symptoms

Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

(Source: CDC)

Transmission

Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through:

• direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

(Source: CDC)

Travel notes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Alert – Practice Enhanced Precautions.

Recommendations for travelers

• Avoid close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions.
• Avoid contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes).
• Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild game (bushmeat) or using products derived from wild animals from Africa (creams, lotions, powders).
• Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by sick people (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that came into contact with infected animals.
• Seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, and avoid contact with others.
  • Faculty, staff, and students on Tufts-related international travel should contact International SOS for medical advice and assistance while abroad.

More information and resources:

• Tufts Monkeypox Guidance and Resources
• Monkeypox: What to Know About the Current Outbreak
• World Health Organization (WHO) Monkeypox Q&A
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notice
• International SOS Monkeypox dedicated webpage (log in with Tufts membership ID 11BCPS000093)

As President Monaco explained in his March 4 statement to the Tufts community, the University stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and is closely following the tragic impacts of the war unfolding there.  

In response to the invasion, the United States government has heightened restrictions on interactions with entities in Russia and Belarus, including bans or restrictions on financial transactions and physical shipments. This situation is fluid and the sanctions being imposed may change rapidly in response to events on the ground.  

If you have questions about how sanctions will impact your research collaborations with entities in Russia and Belarus, please reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) at exportcontrol@tufts.edu.  It is especially important to consult with OVPR prior to sending shipments, electronic transfers, data or technology to individuals or entities located in Russia, Belarus, or the Crimea or non-Ukrainian government controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as sanctions may prohibit or limit such transfers.  If you intend to travel to Russia, Belarus or Ukraine on Tufts business, we also recommend reaching out to  Elisabeth Keegan in Tufts Global Operations for additional guidance.

The University is here to help support the important and ongoing work of our faculty, students and staff.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions and concerns.

Tufts is closely monitoring the conflict in Ukraine following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. While there is currently limited impact on travelers throughout the region, the situation remains fluid.

Anyone planning travel to the region is encouraged to consult with Global Operations on the safety and security environment for your destination

Please click here to read the November 30, 2022 Travel Notice for Europe.