Mpox ("monkeypox", monkeypox) belongs to the smallpox virus family. An infection can cause skin changes (rash, blisters, pustules, sores, scabs). If they are transmitted during sex, they can cause painful skin lesions in the genital and anal area. The best protection is immunisation.
The main transmission route for Mpox viruses ("monkeypox viruses") is close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact (e.g. when cuddling or having sex), especially contact with skin lesions (rashes, blisters, pustules, sores, scabs). We have compiled all the important information on the transmission of monkeypox here.
The same vaccine that is also used against true smallpox is effective against Mpox / "monkeypox". Vaccination is regulated differently in the federal states (see Where can I get vaccinated?). Vaccination offers a high level of protection against infection and also greatly reduces the risk of a severe course of the disease if infection does occur. We have summarised the most important information on vaccination against Mpox here in question-and-answer style (FAQs). According to the current state of knowledge (August 2024), the information also applies to variant ("clade") 1b. Last update: 23.10.2024
