Most cases were reported from Berlin, with others from North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
The European health authority ECDC has registered 704 cases of MPXV infection in European countries as of 8 June (statistics excluding the United Kingdom and Switzerland). Worldwide, 1176 cases have been confirmed so far.
So far mainly gay men affected
As in other countries outside Africa, "monkeypox" (MPX) in Germany currently mainly affects gay and bisexual men. So far, the pathogen has only been detected in men in this country, and many of them have also been found to have had sex with men.
But it is also clear: In principle, monkeypox can affect anyone. It is not yet clear how the virus entered the gay community.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the first cases were reported at the end of April - i.e. before the Maspalomas Pride in Gran Canaria and the Darklands Festival in Antwerp, where numerous cases were apparently transmitted.
No need to panic, but be careful
The outbreak of monkeypox in more and more countries is unusual. The causes are not yet clear. The fact is: This disease has hardly ever occurred in Europe. When people were infected while travelling, the disease did not spread. This is obviously different now.
Experts do not expect a pandemic like Covid, but fear that the infection will spread further.
"There is certainly no reason to panic," says Holger Wicht, spokesperson for Deutsche Aidshilfe. "The overall number of cases is still low and the risk of infection is not particularly high. Although the disease can be very unpleasant, it usually heals on its own. We recommend that you keep yourself well informed and pay particular attention to any signs of the disease."
The RKI is also calling for increased vigilance: Men who have sex with men in particular should have a medical examination if they notice skin changes such as pustules or nodules. The best address for this are infectiological facilities such as an HIV specialist practice.
Vaccination still in June
A vaccination for people at particularly high risk could still be available in June. The Federal Ministry of Health has ordered 240,000 doses of the Imvanex vaccine. 40,000 should be available by mid-June and distributed via the federal states. The BMG is currently exploring further options for procuring vaccine. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) is working on a vaccination recommendation.
Imvanex is already authorised against MPXV in the USA, but not yet in Europe. With a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Vaccination, the vaccine could nevertheless be used in the near future. Two single doses are required for a complete vaccination.
Among other things, the following are under discussion vaccination of people who have recently been in contact with infected persons. The reaction of the immune system after such a vaccination shortly after a risk of transmission can still prevent an infection or mitigate the course of the disease.
Gay and bisexual men with many close contacts as well as healthcare workers who come into contact with MPX-infected patients could also be vaccinated first. Various committees are currently discussing who exactly should be recommended to be vaccinated.
"We are in constant contact with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Centre for Health Education," says DAH spokesperson Holger Wicht. "We coordinate closely and ensure that new information reaches the people it affects quickly."
Always up to date
Deutsche Aidshilfe provides information about MPX at aidshilfe.de and the website of their campaign I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING for gay men and via their social media channels. Posters and flyers for the gay scene locations will also soon be available.
