To nip the monkeypox outbreak in the bud, Germany has ordered 40,000 doses of the Imvanex smallpox vaccine. If the virus continues to spread, the authorities want to vaccinate people who had close contact with an infected person. The vaccine also helps against monkeypox, even immediately after infection. If people get a shot quickly, the complaints remain mild.
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In addition to these so-called ring vaccinations for contacts, the German health minister Karl Lauterbach also announced other measures. People who are positive must be isolated for at least 21 days until they are completely healed. This self-isolation is also strongly recommended for close contacts. “In the early stages of an epidemic, you have to react hard and early,” said Lauterbach.
Also read: Monkeypox fear strikes in the Netherlands: have we become too sensitive?
Five cases have been registered in Germany, all males. The authorities are anticipating an increase.
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