Mpox in Europe: Danger from new variant from Africa?”

Mpox in Europe: Danger from new variant from Africa?”

The intense attention surrounding the disease Mpox has increased in Europe in recent weeks, particularly with recent reports of a new variant imported from Africa. On Thursday, the first confirmed case of these variants outside Africa was recorded in Sweden, prompting the European health agency ECDC to warn of a rising number of cases in Europe.

The importance of international connections

The ECDC said the likelihood of an increase in Mpox cases in Europe was "very likely" due to close links between Europe and Africa. This highlights the challenges associated with globalized travel and the exchange of people. More than 14,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths have already been reported in African countries this year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Risk assessment for Europe

The risk is considered low for the general population in Europe, while there is a moderate risk for people in close contact with possible Mpox infected people. This assessment was supported by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who emphasized that the current circumstances do not pose a significant threat to the population. The case in Sweden does not change this assessment for Germany and Europe.

New insights into the transmission routes

Despite the challenges ahead, it is notable that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is not easily transmissible. According to Johannes Bogner, a specialist from Munich, transmission mainly occurs through direct contact with mucous membranes or skin. There is no known airborne transmission, which is reassuring in the current situation.

Global reactions and increased vigilance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alert level due to the Mpox outbreaks in Africa. WHO praised Sweden for quickly identifying the case and stressed the need to step up vigilance in affected countries. At the same time, the WHO said that border closures are not recommended, even though countries like China are tightening entry controls.

Future vaccination strategies

In Germany there are currently two vaccines against Mpox that are only recommended for specific risk groups. Given the potential for further spread of the virus, future vaccination strategies are being considered to protect the population more comprehensively. The ECDC also recommends publishing travel advice for people returning from affected regions.

Importance of preventive measures

In contrast to the previous outbreaks in 2022 and 2023, there is now particular attention that travelers' behavior in relation to intimate contacts could be crucial in containing the spread of the virus. Experts agree that it is important to avoid unprotected contact with strangers in order to prevent further infection.