Germany, new strain of Mpox in two children

Two cases of Mpox have been identified at a school in Roesrath, near Cologne, Germany. As a precautionary measure, the school has been immediately closed. Of particular concern to the German health authorities are the young age of the affected children and the fact that it is a new variant of the Mpox virus. The alert was issued by the authorities of North Rhine-Westphalia. The tests were conducted on a family of four who had recently returned from Africa. The children and parents were placed under immediate quarantine. According to media reports, the children are exhibiting mild symptoms. However, there is considerable attention being paid to their health and to the possibility of other cases related to family contacts or individuals who have made the same overseas trip. Mpox presents with rashes, blisters, and pustules approximately 12 days after exposure. The patient will experience general malaise, with fever, headache, muscle pain, and lymphadenopathy. The disease can last from two to four weeks, with a mortality rate of approximately 10% based on African data. By July 2022, the infection had already affected approximately 17,000 individuals in 74 countries. In 2023, the WHO classified it as a global health emergency and elevated the alert level to the highest degree.