Germany Confirms 33 Monkeypox Cases

Germany’s first Coronavirus infection was confirmed in Bavaria in early 2020. Two weeks ago, the country’s first Monkeypox case was identified there as well. By now, there are 33 of them in the Federal Republic. Berlin is Germany’s Monkeypox hotspot.

Berlin, June 1st, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — In Germany, the number of Monkeypox infections is on the rise. By now, there are 33 cases, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin. They were “connected to more Monkeypox cases in different countries outside of Africa”, a statement released by the institute read.

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Unusual Aspect

There is an “unusual aspect”, the RKI says: The affected persons did not travel to West or Central Africa before they got infected, where the Monkeypox virus has been known for a while, or to any country on the African continent. Another important aspect is the fact that the transmittance took place during sexual activities between men, in many of the cases. “According to today’s knowledge, a close physical contact is necessary” for passing on Monkeypox infections. This leads the RKI to the conclusion that the outbreak can be confined.

Some two weeks after Germany’s first Monkeypox infection was confirmed in Munich, the RKI stated the threat posed to the general population was low. “The RKI is monitoring the situation closely and will adjust its assessment to the latest knowledge status”, the latest statement says. A guidance document for doctors was published by the institute. It includes advice on how to deal with infected persons and suggestions in regard to the diagnosis.

Hotspot Berlin

So far, Bavaria, Berlin, Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt have reported Monkeypox cases, according to the RKI. The case that was identified in Brandenburg the other day is not on the list. On Monday, the number of cases in Germany had been 21, meaning it increased by 50 percent within a day. The newest Monkeypox patient is a 32-year-old man who is being treated at the University Clinic Eppendorf in Hamburg.

With 18 cases, Berlin has confirmed more Monkeypox infections than any other state in Germany. Health Senator Ulrike Gote said five of them were at hospitals. On Tuesday, there were seven suspected cases as well. More of them might be confirmed today.

Vaccine Ordered

Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach ordered vaccine against Monkeypox which is supposed to be delivered during the first half of the month that started today. Scientists believe that persons who were vaccinated against Smallpox in the 1970s and 80s might be protected against Monkeypox today, at least to some extent.

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