Infections with clade IIb have been occurring in many countries, including Germany, since May 2022. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), deaths have not yet been registered in this country. “The RKI is currently not assuming an increased risk from clade I viruses in Germany, but is monitoring the situation very closely and adjusting its recommendations if necessary,” it said on the authority’s website.
Typical rash
The Mpox symptoms include a typical rash and often general symptoms of the disease such as fever, headache and muscle pain. Fatal outcomes are rare, especially in countries with good treatment standards.
Clade Ib is thought to have more severe disease than clade IIb and is said to be more contagious. However, the data situation does not yet provide any reliable information on this.
Highest alert level for more attention
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “public health emergency of international concern” due to the increasing spread of Mpox in Africa. This is the highest alert level that is intended to bring authorities around the world to greater attention. The aid organization Doctors Without Borders expressed concern about the speed at which Mpox is spreading in Africa.
After the case became known in Sweden, it was said that the person concerned had previously been in Africa. The European health authority ECDC had been expecting further imported cases in Europe for some time.
The Mpox virus is primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex or close hugging, massaging and kissing.
What helps against the disease?
There are smallpox vaccines that also work against Mpox, reducing the risk of an outbreak and mitigating the course of the disease. The German vaccination commission Stiko currently only recommends its use to certain risk groups.
