Monkeypox in Germany: RKI reports two infected young people for the first time
Created: 2022-08-02 15:13
By: Martina Lippl
A colorized electron micrograph of monkeypox virus particles.
© Niaid/Niaid/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Monkeypox is spreading in Europe and Germany.
The RKI reports two cases in minors for the first time.
Berlin – The first cases of monkeypox were officially reported in Germany in May.
In the meantime, 2,724 monkeypox cases from all federal states have been transmitted to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) (as of August 1st).
Monkeypox: For the first time two young people in Germany infected
For the first time, two young people are among them, as the RKI announced on Tuesday in its assessment of the situation.
"So far, only five female cases have been reported in Germany, all cases, except for two adolescents, are adults," reads the RKI website.
The mirror
had initially
reported on two affected people aged 15 and 17.
As can be seen from an RKI database, the case reports come from Stuttgart and Erfurt, relate to the first half of July (reporting weeks 27 and 28) and to male adolescents.
Monkeypox outbreak in Germany – RKI remains calm
"According to current knowledge, close contact is required for transmission of the pathogen.
It still seems possible to limit the current outbreak in Germany if infections are recognized in good time and precautionary measures implemented," said the RKI.
According to its own information, the RKI estimates the risk to the health of the general population in Germany to be low based on current knowledge.
"As far as is known, most of those affected do not become seriously ill," writes the RKI.
The RKI has compiled important information on monkeypox on a flyer.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox infection, hygiene and isolation are very important.
People infected with monkeypox must be quarantined for at least 21 days.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus (also monkeypox virus, MPXV).
Monkeypox is mild in most people and usually goes away on its own.
However, severe courses can also occur (especially in children or people with a weakened immune system).
Source: RKI
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Monkeypox: Spain reports first deaths in Europe
In Spain, two deaths related to the monkeypox virus were reported within a few hours over the weekend.
India also reported the first possible monkeypox death on Monday (1 August).
The dead man was a 22-year-old who had recently arrived from the United Arab Emirates and was then treated in a hospital, the Kerala state health ministry said on Monday.
Symptoms of monkeypox according to the RKI
Symptoms of monkeypox infection can appear within 5 to 21 days of contact with a person with monkeypox, according to the RKI.
However, incubation times of between 2 and 4 days are also possible.
Skin changes
: pimples, blisters and rashes in the genital or anal area, on the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth, some of which can also be painful.
Fever, headache, muscle and back pain
.
Swollen lymph nodes
.
chills and exhaustion.
Monkeypox: This is how an expert estimates the deaths
The mortality rate in countries outside of Africa remains "extremely low," said the head of the outpatient clinic for infectiology and immunology at the University Hospital Bonn, Jürgen Rockstroh, at the request of the dpa news agency.
According to the expert, there are several reasons why monkeypox deaths are becoming known in countries: For example, the declaration of a health emergency with international implications by the World Health Organization (WHO) a few days ago may have led to improved monitoring.
At the same time, there are now more than 20,000 cases worldwide, so more cases are being evaluated.
Rockstroh also emphasized that diseases of those affected must be recorded in order to find factors that increase the risk of hospitalization and death.
Severe immunosuppression seems to increase the risk of an unfavorable outcome.
(ml/dpa)