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Germany detects first mpox variant Ib case

October 22, 2024

An infection with the new mpox variant Ib has been detected for the first time in Germany. The strain has been spreading in several African countries for months.

https://p.dw.com/p/4m5QN
This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows Mpox virus particles
The infection occurred abroad and was detected last FridayImage: NIAID via AP Photo/picture alliance

Germany's disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), announced on Tuesday that an mpox infection that was contracted abroad had been detected within the country. 

Despite the detection, RKI officials do not believe there is now a greater risk to the wider population in Germany.

What the RKI said

"The RKI does not currently assume an increased risk from clade I viruses in Germany, but is monitoring the situation very closely and will adapt its recommendations if necessary," the institute said on its website.

"Close physical contact is required" for mpox to be transmitted the agency stressed. The RKI did not provide any further details on when and in whom the first infection occurred.

It said that currently available vaccines are assumed to be effective against clade I viruses.

Infections from another strand of the virus, clade IIb, have been detected in a number of countries including Germany since May 2022.

What we know about new mpox strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August.

Mpox vaccination drive faces hurdles in DR Congo

That came after an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the new variant emerged, spread to neighboring countries.

According to the WHO, clade Ib is believed to be more contagious and more dangerous than previous mpox variants that have been seen in Germany. However, public health experts warn that there is still too little reliable data on the variant to be certain.

The first case of the clade Ib mpox variant outside the African continent was confirmed in Sweden in mid-August. 

Mpox symptoms include a typical rash and as well as possible fever, headache and muscle pain. Fatal cases are rare, especially in countries with good healthcare systems.

rc/wmr (dpa, AFP)

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