Germany has confirmed its first infection with a new variant of the mpox virus, clade 1b, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The infection was detected last Friday, and the individual contracted the virus abroad. This variant has been circulating in African countries for some time, but this is the first case identified in Germany.

The rapid spread of this variant has raised global concerns. In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency due to the outbreak. There is particular worry in certain parts of Africa, where the virus is causing significant harm.

Mpox: Two Variants, Two Stories

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, has two main variants: clade 1 and clade 2. Clade 1 originates from the Congo and surrounding regions, while clade 2 comes from West Africa. Two years ago, clade 2 caused an outbreak in Europe, primarily affecting men with multiple sexual partners. During that outbreak, more than 22,000 people in the European Union, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein were infected. In the Netherlands, about 1,300 cases were reported.

The new variant, clade 1b, raises questions about its severity and spread in Europe. While the virus causes relatively high mortality rates in Africa, this is partly attributed to weaker healthcare systems and underlying health conditions. In Europe, experts consider the risk to be low for now. The European health agency ECDC states that the available vaccines are effective against the new variant, and there is no reason for panic.

No Infections Detected in the Netherlands Yet

In the Netherlands, no cases of the clade 1b variant have been detected so far, according to the RIVM. The situation is being closely monitored. Should the variant spread further, necessary measures can be swiftly implemented.

Disease Progression

After contracting the mpox virus, symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days. These symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. A few days after the initial symptoms, a rash often develops. Fortunately, most people recover on their own within a few weeks without serious complications.

Mpox is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact. Although the virus has previously spread mainly within certain risk groups, anyone can potentially become infected.

The situation surrounding the new variant is being closely monitored, but for now, the risk to the European population remains low, especially given the availability of effective vaccines.