Breaking: Germany Records First Case of Latest Mpox Variant

Health Authorities Confirm New Mpox Variant in Germany - Situation Under Monitoring

The RKI is closely monitoring the situation and adjusting recommendations as necessary...

Mpox Update: Germany Detects New Variant, Contracted Abroad, Close Contact Required for Transmission

Germany has detected its first case of the new mpox variant, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for public health, reported on Tuesday, October 22. The infection was contracted abroad and identified on Thursday, October 18. Fortunately, the RKI emphasizes that the risk to the general population remains low, as close physical contact is necessary for transmission.

The mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches. In severe cases, lesions can develop on the face, hands, chest, and genitals. The World Health Organization has declared the increasing spread of mpox in Africa a global health emergency.

Facts About Mpox:

Transmission: Mpox mostly spreads via close contact with infected people, including through sex.

Symptoms: Fever, chills, body aches, and lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.

Global Impact: The World Health Organization has declared the increasing spread of mpox in Africa a global health emergency.

Cases: 42,438 suspected cases in Africa since the beginning of the year, with 8,113 confirmed as mpox.

The RKI is closely monitoring the situation and adjusting recommendations as necessary. This development comes after the first case of the mpox virus variant was confirmed outside Africa in Sweden in mid-August, and another case was reported in Thailand.

“The RKI currently considers the risk to the health of the general population in Germany to be low,” the Health institute said

Adding that, “we are monitoring the situation closely and would adapt its assessment if necessary.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency in August, due to a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spread to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This marks the second time in two years that mpox has been classified as a global health emergency.

The outbreak began in September 2023 in the DRC, with cases primarily spreading through close physical contact, including sexual contact. The virus has since spread to other countries in the region, with Burundi reporting 142 confirmed cases as of August 17, 2024, and Kenya confirming its first case on July 29, 2024. Rwanda and Uganda have also reported cases, with Rwanda's cases linked to travel to the DRC.

Affected Countries:

Burundi: 142 confirmed cases, with no deaths reported 

Kenya: 1 confirmed case, with 14 suspected cases 

Rwanda: 4 confirmed cases, with no deaths reported 

Uganda: 2 confirmed cases, with no deaths reported 

Côte d'Ivoire: 7 confirmed cases, with no deaths reported 

The first indication of mpox spreading beyond Africa was confirmed on August 15, 2024, with a new strain detected in Sweden. This development highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among global health authorities to contain the outbreak.