When the first cases of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) were discovered in Germany in May 2022, it was clear that the virus was not harmless, but fortunately it was not as easily transmitted as Covid-19, for example. But it has changed since then.
That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency on Wednesday. China has now tightened entry restrictions from Mpox areas. Sweden has the first case of the “new” virus outside of Africa.
A new variant is spreading
The difference to 2022: The virus has evolvedTwo years ago, the variant clade IIb was still rampant in Germany, affecting 3,800 people. However, the spread was quickly contained.
In Africa A new variant (Clade I) is now causing severe cases and a higher mortality rate. The infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse, skin contact and contaminated objects. In Congo alone, 450 people have already died from the virus this year. What is also worrying is that Clade I, with its latest sub-variant Clade Ib, is much more contagious.
70 percent of the dead are under 15
Mpox are related to the classic smallpox virus (variola virus). The disease can lead to flu symptoms, fever and aching limbs, but is mainly associated with a painful skin rash. The body is covered with numerous blisters that burst and crust over over time. The disease can be particularly devastating for children. In the Congo, 70 percent of those affected with a fatal outcome are under 15 years old.
No acute danger for Germany
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) does not currently believe that there is an increased risk for Germany. However, the situation is being monitored very closely and recommendations will be adjusted if necessary to prevent smallpox from becoming established as an infectious disease in Germany in the long term.
Epidemiologist and virologist Klaus Stöhr: “It is not expected that Mpox will spread in Germany in the short or medium term. Fortunately, smallpox viruses change very slowly. This means that as long as transmission only occurs through skin contact, the disease is relatively easy to contain in this country. Even if an infected person enters the country, they can be quickly isolated and spread prevented.”
The good news is that there is a vaccination! The classic smallpox vaccine “Imvanex” has also been approved for protection against Mpox since July 2022.