Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 17, 2024 3 hours, 12 minutes ago
Medical News: Authorities in Germany have reported four cases of the new Clade 1b variant of the Mpox (Monkeypox) virus. The infections were confirmed in a family residing in the western German town of Rösrath, located near Cologne. Among those affected are two school-age children who attend a special needs school in the area. Health officials believe the initial infection occurred after one family member returned from a trip to Africa, where the virus is more prevalent. The virus was then passed on to other members of the family.
https://www.rbk-direkt.de/news/56650/erster-nachweis-von-mpox-affenpocken-im-rheinisch-bergischen-kreis
To prevent further spread, the entire family has been placed under strict quarantine. Health authorities acted swiftly to inform anyone who may have come into contact with the infected individuals, including school staff and classmates of the children. While no further infections have been reported, cautionary measures remain in place to protect public health.
School Closed as Precautionary Measure
The special needs school attended by the two infected children has been temporarily closed. Lessons will continue through online distance learning until the end of the week.
https://www.rbk-direkt.de/news/56652/vorsichtsmassnahme-schule-in-roesrath-bis-zu-den-ferien-im-distanzunterricht
Officials from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's leading health authority, have worked closely with local health agencies and school administrators to ensure the safety of students and staff.
“This decision is purely precautionary,” a spokesperson for the RKI explained. “The Mpox virus is not highly contagious under normal circumstances, but we want to take every step to minimize any potential risk.” The school’s closure has been met with understanding from parents, who support the move to protect their children.
This
Medical News report highlights how authorities are being vigilant while keeping the public informed. Families with students attending the school have been urged to monitor for symptoms, which include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pain, and skin rashes.
What is the Clade 1b Variant of Mpox?
The Clade 1b variant of Mpox has raised concerns among global health experts due to its emergence outside of Africa. Previously, the virus was largely confined to regions in West and Central Africa, where rodents act as natural hosts. The virus occasionally jumped to humans, often through close contact with infected animals.
The current infections mark the first notable cases of the Clade 1b variant in Germany since October. The first confirmed case involved a 33-year-old man who likely contracted the virus during his travels in East Africa. Unlike other Mpox strains, the Clade 1b variant appears to have a slightly higher risk of spreading, prompting international concern.
However, health authorities emphasize that Mpox is not as easily transmissible as other viral infections like COVID-19. “Close physical contact, suc
h as skin-to-skin interactions, is usually required for Mpox transmission,” said the RKI in an official statement. Activities such as hugging, kissing, or other intimate contact pose the highest risk for infection.
Global Response
In August, Mpox was declared “a public health emergency of international concern” due to its increased spread in parts of Africa and sporadic cases in other continents. This declaration aimed at encouraging governments to take proactive steps to contain outbreaks and prevent further infections.
The international Mpox outbreak since 2022 has primarily been linked to a different strain, Clade 2b, which spread rapidly in Europe and North America. This new Clade 1b variant now represents a growing challenge for global health authorities as they attempt to track and contain its spread outside its usual regions.
Conclusion
The detection of the Mpox Clade 1b variant in Germany highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly as global travel resumes. While the virus remains relatively rare and not easily transmissible, its emergence in Europe underscores the importance of quick action and public awareness. Health officials have acted responsibly by isolating affected individuals and informing potential contacts, minimizing the risk of further infections.
For now, the situation remains under control, with no severe cases reported. Germany’s health authorities, including the RKI, continue to monitor the situation closely and implement safety protocols as needed. The temporary closure of the school demonstrates a commitment to ensuring public health safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as children in special education settings.
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-drug-repurposing-study-yields-promising-insights
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-clade-1b-strain-debuts-in-california-united-states
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/monkeypox
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