Germany has confirmed its first case of the new mpox variant, according to a report by Bild newspaper on Tuesday, citing the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country’s public health authority.
The RKI did not provide further details or comment on the situation at this time.
This detection follows a recent global alert raised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which declared mpox a public health emergency in August for the second time in two years. The outbreak, originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread to several neighbouring African countries and has raised concern among global health authorities.
The first case of the new strain outside Africa was reported in Sweden on August 15, prompting increased surveillance in Europe and beyond. Health officials are now closely monitoring the spread of the virus, which poses risks similar to the previous mpox outbreak, characterised by painful lesions and fever.
Further updates from the German health authorities are expected as they work to assess the extent of the virus’ presence in the country and the necessary public health measures to contain it.
Melissa Enoch
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