Mpox: First case of new variant in Germany

Mpox: First case of new variant in Germany

An infection with the new Mpox variant clade Ib has been detected for the first time in Germany. The RKI is monitoring the situation “very closely”.

The new variant of the Mpox virus has been detected for the first time in Germany. The person was infected with the so-called clade Ib abroad, said the Robert Koch Institute. “Bild” had previously reported. The first case of this Mpox virus variant outside the African continent was confirmed in Sweden in mid-August.

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. The federal institute responsible for combating infectious diseases did not provide any further information about when and in whom the first infection occurred.

Typical rash with Mpox

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.

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. According to authorities, a total of 1,100 people have died from the variant since the beginning of the year. 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.

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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.

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Source: Stern

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