What is "monkeypox"?
The "monkeypox virus" (Monkeypox virus or Mpox viruses) was first detected in monkeys. However, it is assumed that the viruses are actually mainly found in rodents (e.g. squirrels and rats). Transmission to humans is possible through bites, body fluids and consumption, for example.
The viruses sometimes cause very painful Skin changes (from rashes to nodules/blisters to pustules and sores that scab over). They usually heal on their own, but can leave scars.
From person to person monkeypox viruses" are mainly transmitted by close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact transferred, especially through contact with the skin lesions (rash, blisters, pustules, wounds, scabs).
How dangerous is "monkeypox" (Mpox)?
The disease usually heals on its own, but can be extremely painfulespecially if the skin damage occurs in the anal or genital area. The pain can be so severe that treatment is only possible in hospital.
Also possible are bacterial infectionswhich sit "on the damaged areas".
The recommended or ordered use of the Insulation experienced that at least 21 days lasts.
The RKI currently estimates the health risk for the general population to be low.
How dangerous is Mpox/"monkeypox" for people with HIV?
So far, HIV-positive people appear to be under functioning therapy and with a good immune status are not more at risk than others.
People with a severely weakened immune system could be at a higher risk of infection and a higher risk of a more severe course. However, there is currently a lack of reliable data on this.
People with HIV can also be vaccinated as long as their number of helpers is at least 100.
However, in people with a weaker or weakened immune system (100 to 750 helper cells per microlitre of blood plasma), it has been observed that the vaccination effect may be less pronounced.
How is "monkeypox" transmitted?
As HaThe 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, wounds, scabs).
Particularly infectious is the Liquid in the vesicles and from the Woundsthat occur after the vesicles burst, as well as the Scabthat forms above it.
The virus can also be transmitted through objects used during sex (e.g. sex toys) or through contact with textiles (e.g. clothing, bed linen, towels) to which scab residues containing Mpox viruses adhere.
Main entrance gates for the virus into the body are in the current outbreak the mucous membranes involved during sex (anal region, penis, oral cavity).
Detailed information: Monkeypox transmission
What are the symptoms of "monkeypox"?
Symptoms can appear as early as the day after infection. They usually begin within 5 to 11 daysbut it can also take up to three weeks (incubation period).
Typical are Sometimes very painful skin changes - from rashes/spots to nodules and blisters to pustules, wounds and scabs.
The skin changes often begin in the Face, in the genital or anal region. The pain caused by this can be so severe that it has to be treated in hospital.
Bacterial superinfections are also possible, i.e. inflammation of the damaged areas.
The "pox" usually heals on its own after two to four weeks, but can leave scars.
The skin changes are often caused by General symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle or back pain or swollen lymph nodes.
Vaccination against smallpox was compulsory in the FRG until 1976 and in the GDR until 1982. Many people who were born before this time have this typical Smallpox vaccination scar on the upper arm. )
Is there a vaccination against Mpox ("monkeypox")?
For persons aged 18 and over, the Smallpox vaccine Imvanex authorisedwhich, according to the STIKO recommendation, can also be used to protect against Mpox ("monkeypox").
Vaccination is the best protection. As a rule, two doses of the vaccination against Mpox are given 28 days apart, which significantly reduces the risk of an outbreak of the disease. According to current knowledge, this also applies to the new Mpox type Ib.
A distinction is made between two different occasions in favour of a vaccination against Mpox:
- the Subsequent vaccination (Post-exposure prophylaxisafter being "exposed" to the pathogen = after an exposure)
- the Preventive vaccination.
He is Generally well toleratedVaccination reactions such as
- Pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site
- Muscle pain, headaches, fatigue and nausea
are common (in more than one in ten cases), but usually subside after a few days.
All important information about the monkeypox vaccination we have on this page compiled.
How else can you protect yourself against Mpox ("monkeypox")?
The Most important measuresin order to Reduce the risk of transmissionare in addition to the vaccination:
- With yourself and others Pay attention to skin changes and Skin and mucous membrane contact (rashes, blisters, wounds, scabs) as far as possible. Avoid.
- During sex no objects (for example dildos and other sex toys) Share.
With sexual transmission the pathogens at the entry points (especially Mouth, Penis/genital region, Anal region) often too much painful symptoms. Condoms reduce the risk.
The risk of "monkeypox" is further reduced if you Avoid contact with objects and textileswho have been in contact with skin lesions of patients for a longer period of time. Mpox viruses ("monkeypox viruses") can remain infectious outside the body for a long time.
What to do if you suspect "monkeypox"?
Illustration of various monkeypox pustules (Photo: UKHSA)
Unusual skin changes should medically clarified (at GPs, dermatologists, in an HIV focal point practice, a checkpoint or at the public health department - it is best to call in advance and inform them of the suspicion).
Close skin-to-skin contact to others until clarification Avoid as far as possible.
What should I do if I or someone else in my close environment has "monkeypox"?
In the case of monkeypox, it is recommended or ordered to insulateuntil all crusts have healed and new skin has formed for at least 21 days.
It is also important to to inform personswith whom you have had close skin-to-skin contact since the onset of symptoms.
Further information offers a Flyer of the RKI.
How can "monkeypox" (Mpox) be treated?
The disease usually heals on its own. If necessary Symptoms (e.g. fever and pain) treated or alleviated become.
With severe pain treatment in the Hospital become necessary.
The important thing is, bacterial infections of the skin changes prevent.
How long do "monkeypox viruses" (Mpox viruses) remain active?
Monkeypox viruses can probably over longer periods of time (days to weeks) on objects (e.g. sex toys) or fabrics (e.g. clothing, bed linen or towels). Good hygiene is therefore essential.
Further information offers a Fact sheet of the RKI.
Does "monkeypox" only affect men who have sex with men?
No. All people can contract "monkeypox". It is also not a sexually transmitted infection in the strict sense. Close skin-to-skin contact, not just during sex, is sufficient for transmission.
Nevertheless, the infections currently detected almost exclusively affect men who have had frequent sex with different men.
Further information the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
Released by IWWIT editorial team
Last updated 26.08.2024
Further links/sources:
EMA
RKI
You can find more information on the website of the German AIDS service organisation.
