New virus variant
School near Cologne remains closed due to Mpox
Like in Corona times, this time with Mpox: Students at a special school near Cologne are learning from home for the last few days before the holidays.
As a precautionary measure after the new variant of the Mpox virus appeared in two children, a school near Cologne remains closed. The students at a special school in Rösrath will receive distance learning up to and including Friday, as the Rheinisch-Bergische Kreis announced on Monday. This preventive measure applies until the Christmas holidays, which in North Rhine-Westphalia last until January 6th.
The school’s rooms remained closed in order to prevent close contact between the students and thus any further possible spread of Mpox, the district justified the step. The health department and the school management decided to take the preventative measure after intensive discussions with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and other specialist institutions with a view to the student body, which needs to be particularly protected.
Near Cologne: Family with Mpox infection in quarantine
An infection with the new variant of the Mpox virus, the so-called clade 1b, had previously been detected in four members of a family living in the Rheinisch-Bergisch district (the star reported). There are two children among them. The family is in quarantine. So far the course of the disease has been mild. After the infections became known, the health department identified and informed contact persons from the school and professional environment.
The Mpox symptoms include a typical skin rash and often general symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle pain. Fatal outcomes are rare. Mpox – previously called monkeypox – is not very contagious. “Close physical contact is necessary for the transmission of Mpox,” writes the RKI. The virus is primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact. The first case of the Mpox variant 1b in Germany was detected in a man in Cologne in mid-October.
DPA
yks
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
