2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Germany

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Germany
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Germany
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	3,687
Deaths	0

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Germany is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in Germany began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Munich. The outbreak was characterized by the spread of the Monkeypox virus, a zoonotic virus that causes the disease known as mpox.

Background

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to certain regions in Central and West Africa. However, the 2022–2023 outbreak marked a significant spread of the virus to non-endemic countries, including Germany.

Epidemiology

The first case in Germany was identified in May 2022. The patient had a travel history to Portugal, where they likely contracted the virus. Following this initial case, the virus spread primarily among networks of men who have sex with men (MSM), similar to patterns observed in other countries during the outbreak.

As of October 2023, Germany reported a total of 3,687 confirmed cases of mpox. The outbreak was notable for its low mortality rate, with no deaths reported in Germany. The majority of cases were mild, with patients experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Public Health Response

The German government, in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems were put in place to quickly identify and isolate cases. Contact tracing was used to identify and monitor individuals who had been in contact with confirmed cases.

• Vaccination Campaigns: Germany utilized the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against mpox, to vaccinate high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and MSM.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts were made to educate the public about mpox, its symptoms, and preventive measures. Information was disseminated through various media channels and community outreach programs.

Clinical Management

Patients with mpox in Germany were managed with supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for the disease. Severe cases were rare, and most patients recovered without complications. Healthcare providers were advised to follow infection control protocols to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Germany highlighted the importance of global health security and the need for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. It also underscored the role of international collaboration in managing outbreaks that cross borders.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Monkeypox virus
• Mpox
• Robert Koch Institute