Coloured microscope image of Mpox particles.
© dpa
Since the beginning of the year, 33 people in Berlin have been confirmed to have contracted Mpox.
Only men are affected, as the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) explains in its weekly epidemiological report. Mpox used to be called monkeypox.
So far, Berlin has reported the most Mpox cases of all German states, according to a database of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Nationwide, 86 Mpox cases have been reported to the RKI so far this year (as of 15 August). Compared to 2022, however, the number of cases in Germany is at a low level. The disease spread particularly strongly in that year. At that time, there were more than 1,500 laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases in Berlin alone by mid-August.
Berlin's health administration is monitoring the situation very closely and preparing appropriate measures, explained Health Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD). Berlin has been sensitised by the outbreak in 2022 and can build on the experience. "We reacted well to the situation back then and quickly made vaccinations possible. Fortunately, these are now available through the regular system, so there is no need for a special vaccination campaign," said the senator.
The situation in Africa is currently worrying. The World Health Organisation (WHO) activated its highest alert level on Wednesday due to new Mpox outbreaks on the continent and a new variant of the virus. It declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC). More than 14,000 suspected cases of Mpox and more than 500 deaths have already been reported this year from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries - more than in the whole of last year.
According to infectiologist Leif Erik Sander, there is currently no immediate danger for people in Germany. "I don't believe that an entry into Europe is imminent, but it is of course totally realistic that this could happen if the infection spreads further," said Sander.
Mpox is transmitted through close physical contact, especially during sex. The virus mainly causes a skin rash, but also fever and muscle pain. There have been no deaths in Germany to date. Vaccination against Mpox is recommended for certain groups of people in Germany. These include men who have sex with men and frequently change partners.