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While reports of Mpox clade Ib outside of central Africa remain rare, they are increasing (see map above), with sporadic exported cases showing up in Europe, the UK, India, and North America. While most detections have been in individuals who recently visited central Africa, last month we saw a confirmed family cluster in the UK.
The clade Ib Mpox virus which emerged last year in the DRC is reportedly more virulent, and potentially more transmissible, than the clade II mpox virus which began its world tour in the spring of 2022.
A week ago the WHO published a new, updated risk assessment, which puts the risk of national and international spread as HIGH.
Two (translated) reports, starting with this from the local Health Department.
16.12.2024
At the weekend, a case of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, of the latest variant clade 1b, was confirmed in a family in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. The disease was probably acquired during travel activities by a family member with close contact with the local population in Africa. Over time, the disease was confirmed in three other family members, including two children.
The health department of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis immediately took the necessary measures. In close coordination with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and other health departments involved, contact persons from the school and work environment were identified and contacted. They were also informed about possible symptoms and protective measures.
The latest variant of the Mpox infection has been occurring in various countries on the African continent since September 2023. Since August 2024, individual imported infections have occurred in countries outside the African continent, including one case in Germany. The courses are usually mild.
The viral disease can be transmitted through contact with the fluid from the blisters on the skin that are typical for the disease, or through contact with scabs from the blisters, but possibly also through droplets from the respiratory tract during close face-to-face contact. This usually occurs in the family environment.
Information about Mpox is available from the Federal Center for Health Education at:
As a precautionary measure, the local school district announced the closure of one school for the rest of the week (note: German schools close Dec 23rd-Jan 6th for Christmas).
16.12.2024
Precautionary measure: School in Rösrath in distance learning until the holidays
The pupils of a special school in Rösrath will be taught via distance learning from now until Friday inclusive.
After intensive discussions with the RKI and other specialist institutions, the health department and the school management have decided to take this preventive measure with a view to protecting the student body in particular.
The school rooms will remain closed in order to prevent close contact between the students and thus prevent any further possible spread of MPox.
As a precautionary measure, the school management has therefore ordered distance learning for the students until the health department's investigations are completed. The closure of the school is a preventative measure. The parents/guardians are or have been informed of the measure by the school management. This was preceded by a general order from the health department ordering the closure of the school. This is necessary for legal reasons so that distance learning can be ordered.
At the weekend, a case of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, of the latest variant clade 1b, was confirmed in a family in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. The disease was probably acquired during travel activities by a family member with close contact with the local population in Africa. Over time, the disease was confirmed in three other family members, including two children. The health department of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis immediately took the necessary measures. In close coordination with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and other health departments involved, contact persons from the school and work environment were identified and contacted.
The viral disease can be transmitted through contact with the fluid from the blisters on the skin that are typical for the disease, or through contact with scabs from the blisters, but possibly also through droplets from the respiratory tract during close face-to-face contact. This usually occurs in the family environment. The course of the disease is usually mild.
In late September the CDC released a HAN (Health Alert Network) advisory to clinicians (see CDC HAN #00516 - Prevention Strategies for Mpox) on how to advise patients who may be at risk of contracting Mpox, or those who may be planning to travel to countries where the virus is currently circulating.
As our collective immunity from the smallpox vaccine - which was discontinued in the late 1970s - wanes, there are increased opportunities for pox viruses to make a comeback.The Mpox virus continues to evolve, and we now have at least 4 clades of Mpox in circulation (I, Ib, II, IIb), with Clade Ia and Ib considered the most severe.
