Monkeypox Outbreak in Germany: 3,700 Cases Reported Without Deaths, but Global Spread Remains a Concern, Warns WHO

2023-05-02 15:21:52

In Germany, almost 3,700 Mpox cases and no deaths have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) since May 2022 (as of April 28). After a sharp increase, the number of cases fell significantly from August. The vast majority of those infected were men, with less than one percent women, adolescents and children. According to the RKI, no case has been registered since the end of January 2023. However, the RKI warns that the numbers could increase, for example if more events with many participants take place again in spring.

Global spread could become a problem

The WHO therefore still classifies the virus as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). This is the highest alert that WHO can issue. “It is worrying that it has stepped out of its ecological niche in Central and West Africa,” said Sylvie Briand, director of the WHO Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Unit in Geneva. “The virus could change, become more contagious or infect a vulnerable population group that has previously been spared,” such as pregnant women or small children. “The disease could take a much more severe course in these groups.” So far, men who have sex with men have been affected primarily, but not exclusively.

Although many of the newly affected countries now have the outbreaks well under control, the situation is not as it was before: Instead of a few countries, the Mpox virus is now spread worldwide – and can ensure at any time that the number of cases increases locally. One contributing factor is the fact that few people are likely to maintain protective behavioral changes over a long period of time. These include, for example, to isolate yourself as an affected person during the duration of the illness of two to four weeks, since the virus is mainly transmitted through close physical contact. The vaccinations, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection, are also distributed unevenly in Germany: By the end of 2022, around half of all vaccinations in Germany were in Berlin. Vaccination is currently recommended for people who are at particularly high risk of becoming infected. These include men who have sex with men, people with frequently changing sexual partners and people who have recently had contact with infected people.