First German Mpox Case Linked to Rwanda Travel

A German man contracted the new Mpox virus variant after engaging in sexual activity in Rwanda, with experts assessing the domestic transmission risk as low.

• The first German case of the new Mpox virus variant was confirmed in Cologne, with the patient having traveled to Rwanda from September to early October.
• The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that the 33-year-old patient developed symptoms shortly after returning to Germany and sought medical attention.
• Tests identified the Mpox virus as the Clade Ib variant, and the patient is currently under hospital care with isolation measures in place, showing signs of recovery.
• Health authorities have determined that the risk of further transmission within Germany is low, as Mpox requires close physical contact for spread.
• Mpox symptoms include skin rash, fever, and muscle aches, and the outbreak continues to pose significant challenges in Africa, with over 1,000 deaths reported this year.

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