Almost 1700 cases in Germany
Parties, sex and darkrooms: RKI provides new information on protection against monkeypox infections
According to the Robert Koch Institute, there is also an increased risk of monkeypox infection at concerts and festivals (pictured: Glastonbury Festival).
© Scott Gouldsbrough / Avalon / Photshot / Picture Alliance, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp / DPA
Monkeypox continues to spread in Germany – even if the number of cases is still low overall. The Robert Koch Institute is now reacting with new tips for protection against infection.
The number of registered monkeypox cases in Germany continues to rise. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin, 1,694 people have been infected with the disease since May – in all 16 federal states.
The RKI continues to assess the risk for the general population in this country as “low”, but has updated and specified its information on reducing the risk of infection. According to the RKI, it has so far primarily been infected in men who have had sexual contact with other men. In Germany, the virus only occurred in two women.
RKI gives tips for protection against monkeypox infection
Since close contact between people is necessary for the transmission of the pathogen, the current prevention recommendations of the authority relate primarily to the areas of life such as sexual intercourse, parties, clubs and concerts. However, none of them offer 100% protection against infection:
- The RKI recommends reducing the number of sex partners in order to reduce the risk of illness.
- The use of condoms during sex is also strongly recommended to avoid direct contact with the mucous membranes in the vagina or anus.
- Sex, touching or kissing people with monkeypox should generally be avoided.
- Since the virus could also be present in the semen, a condom should be used during sex for at least eight weeks even after recovering from the disease.
- There is also an increased risk of infection in darkrooms, saunas, sex clubs or other places where little clothing is worn.
- In general, do not touch rashes or sores and reduce direct skin contact as much as possible.
About a month ago, the RKI also recommended certain groups of people to be vaccinated against monkeypox, including men who have same-sex sexual contact with changing partners and laboratory staff who work with infectious laboratories. The vaccination campaign has already started in several federal states.
The course of monkeypox is usually mild
According to current knowledge, symptoms of monkeypox appear within five to 21 days after contact with an infected person, and in some cases earlier. They include sometimes painful skin changes such as pimples, blisters, rashes or wounds, but also fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes or general fatigue. However, some infected people also have no symptoms. “A monkeypox disease is mild in most people and usually heals on its own,” says the RKI. However, this can also lead to severe courses and even death. Infections can occur in people of all genders, regardless of sexual orientation. Anyone who suspects that they have been infected with monkeypox should contact a doctor. The disease is notifiable.
The current monkeypox outbreak in Europe probably began in May 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now registered 4,920 cases on the continent, and according to data from last week there are more than 6,000 worldwide – a tenfold increase within one month. Three people have died in Africa as a result of an infection. The WHO has not yet declared an international health emergency. In the coming days, however, there will be another emergency meeting of international experts.
Sources: Robert Koch Institute (1), Robert Koch Institute (2), World Health OrganizationDPA news agency