2022 monkeypox outbreak in Germany

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Germany
Disease	Monkeypox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Source	Human-to-human transmission
Location	Germany
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	3,677
Deaths	0

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Germany was part of a larger global outbreak of monkeypox that began in May 2022. The outbreak in Germany was notable for its rapid spread and the public health response it prompted.

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including Germany.

Timeline

May 2022

The first case of monkeypox in Germany was reported in May 2022. The initial cases were linked to international travel and events where close contact occurred.

June 2022

By June, the number of confirmed cases had increased significantly, prompting the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) to issue guidelines for healthcare providers and the public.

July 2022

In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the need for coordinated international response.

Transmission

The primary mode of transmission during the outbreak was human-to-human contact, particularly through skin lesions, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets. The outbreak was characterized by clusters of cases among social networks, often involving close physical contact.

Symptoms

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before crusting and falling off. The rash often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.

Public Health Response

The German government, in coordination with the RKI, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance to identify and trace contacts of confirmed cases.
• Vaccination: Use of the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against monkeypox, for high-risk groups.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information dissemination to educate the public about symptoms and prevention measures.

Impact

The outbreak had significant implications for public health policy in Germany, highlighting the need for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. It also underscored the importance of international collaboration in managing outbreaks.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• 2022 monkeypox outbreak
• Robert Koch Institute
• Public Health Emergency of International Concern