Aachen, Dec. 16, (dpa/GNA) – Further cases of the new variant of the mpox virus have been detected in Germany, including in two children.
Initially, a single infection with the clade 1b variant was confirmed. The virus was then also detected in three other family members, including two school-age children, the authorities in the western German community of Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne announced on Monday.
It is thought the infection originated from a family member’s trip to Africa. The family is in quarantine, and so far the disease has been mild.
The health department has identified and informed contact individuals from the school and professional environment about possible symptoms and protective measures. No further infections have been detected so far, a spokeswoman said.
Symptoms of mpox include a topical skin rash and often also general symptoms of illness such as fever, headaches and muscle aches. Fatalities are rare.
The virus – formerly known as monkeypox – is not very contagious. “Close physical contact is required for transmission of mpox,” according to Germany’s disease control body, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The virus is mainly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex or close hugging, massaging and kissing.
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “public health emergency of international concern” due to the new virus variant and the increasing spread of mpox in Africa.
The natural hosts of the mpox virus are rodents native to West and Central Africa. The pathogens are less well adapted to monkeys and humans.
Since summer 2023, case numbers have been reported continuously at a low level – in the single to low double digits per month. The RKI says no deaths have yet been registered in Germany.
GNA