The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends In the case of monkeypox, Isolate for at least 21 days. In addition, there is also an “urgent recommendation” for contactable people to go into isolation for at least 21 days, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said Tuesday at a joint press conference with RKI President Lothar Wheeler.
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This measure aims to control the outbreak in Germany. “We have a good chance of stopping this disease, not only in Germany but all over Europe,” Lauterbach said. Meanwhile, he emphasized that what is currently happening with monkeypox “is not the beginning of a new pandemic.”
The virus has now also reached the Arab world: the first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in the United Arab Emirates. Morocco had previously reported three suspected cases. However, confirmation is still pending
How many cases of monkeypox in Germany so far?
According to Wheeler, five cases had been sent to RKI in Germany as of Tuesday morning. These are exclusively men.
However, the number of cases continued to rise on Tuesday: the city of Cologne reported three more confirmed cases. In the state of Hesse, the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is responsible for health, announced a confirmed case in Frankfurt am Main. In Bavaria, the number of confirmed cases has risen from one to three.
It is clear that more cases are expected in this country, RKI President Lothar Weller said on Tuesday at the German Medical Association in Bremen. “Our goal, then, is to contain the outbreak.” This can be achieved through successful contact tracing, avoidance of close contact with infected persons and hygiene measures. Danger groups should be careful.
How is the virus transmitted?
Most people usually recover from monkeypox within a few weeks, Wheeler said. However, some people can become seriously ill. It is not easy for pathogens to pass from person to person, close contact is essential.
The virus can be transmitted regardless of sexual orientation, gender and age. According to current knowledge, the risks to the health of the general population are considered low.
Wheeler said that in many countries known to RKI, most of those infected were infected in large events “related to sexual activities.” If an unusual rash occurs, for example, and monkeypox is suspected, you should go to the doctor immediately.
The RKI recommends isolating until the scabs fall off, but for at least 21 days. For close contacts, a 21-day quarantine is recommended. “We are at an early stage in this outbreak.” Much is still unknown, but the situation is closely monitored.
Monkeypox: Is there a sufficient vaccine?
According to Lauterbach, “up to 40,000 doses” of the smallpox vaccine were ordered in the event monkeypox spread in Germany. The SPD politician said Tuesday on the sidelines of German Doctors’ Day in Bremen that a vaccine called Imvanex has been approved in the United States against monkeypox. It is about preparing for any vaccinations that may be necessary for people in contact with infected people (ring vaccinations).
The vaccine can be used to prevent infection – but also to prevent or at least delay the onset of disease in already infected people. “I expect we will have a reserve handed over here soon,” the minister said. (Reuters / dpa / AFP)
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