Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history, is a top destination for travelers exploring the United States. From the bustling streets of Nashville to the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the state offers a diverse range of experiences. However, with the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of mpox (monkeypox) as a global health emergency, travelers may face temporary disruptions.
Here’s how tourists can plan their trip to Tennessee while being mindful of potential challenges, and what impact this might have on the travel industry. On August 14, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency, marking the second time in three years that the disease has reached this level of concern. The declaration comes in response to an outbreak in 13 African nations, with more than 17,000 cases reported in 2024 alone.
Although the outbreak is currently concentrated in Africa, with clade I being the more severe type, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert in the United States, advising caution for travelers. While there have been no reported cases of clade I mpox in the U.S.
, and the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low, a few cases of the less severe clade II are reported weekly. Travelers to Tennessee should stay informed about the situation and consider the potential for disruptions, especially if new cases emerge.