Mpox outbreak in North Rhine-Westphalia: Family with two children in quarantine!

Mpox outbreak in North Rhine-Westphalia: Family with two children in quarantine!

A new variant of the Mpox virus, known as clade 1b, is spreading in Germany. The first infection was detected in Cologne in mid-October, and several members of a family from the Rheinisch-Bergisch district are now affected. The virus was detected in this family, which also includes two school children, which led to the entire family being quarantined. The course of the disease has so far been mild, and the health department has informed contact persons and pointed out symptoms and protective measures. According to [Die Welt](https://www.welt.de/gesundheit/article254886236/Mpox-Neue- Variant-breitet-sich-in-Deutschland-aus-Familie-aus-NRW-in-Quarantaene.html), no further infection has been reported so far.

School closure and health precautions

Due to the Mpox virus being diagnosed in the family, a special school in Rösrath was closed as a precaution to prevent possible infections. The students receive distance learning, as Die Zeit reports. The affected family members are said to have become infected during a trip to East Africa, which is based on the assessment of the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Health. Close physical contact is required for the virus to be transmitted. The Ministry of Health considers the risk of a major spread to be low, but is keeping an eye on the situation as little is known about the new variant.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is not very contagious. Symptoms often include skin rashes as well as general symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches. The WHO has declared a public health emergency due to the new virus variant. There are currently hardly any cases in Germany, and the course of the disease so far has been mild, which makes the situation seem controllable so far.