FAQ

What is "monkeypox"?

The "monkeypox virus" (Monkeypox virus or Mpox viruses) was first detected in monkeys. However, it is assumed that the viruses are actually mainly found in rodents (e.g. squirrels and rats). Transmission to humans is possible through bites, body fluids and consumption, for example.

The viruses sometimes cause very painful Skin changes (from rashes to nodules/blisters to pustules and sores that scab over). They usually heal on their own, but can leave scars.

From person to person monkeypox viruses" are mainly transmitted by close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact transferred, especially through contact with the skin lesions (rash, blisters, pustules, wounds, scabs).

How dangerous is "monkeypox" (Mpox)?

The disease usually heals on its own, but can be extremely painfulespecially if the skin damage occurs in the anal or genital area. The pain can be so severe that treatment is only possible in hospital.

Also possible are bacterial infectionswhich sit "on the damaged areas".

The recommended or ordered use of the Insulation experienced that at least 21 days lasts.

The RKI currently estimates the health risk for the general population to be low.

How dangerous is Mpox/"monkeypox" for people with HIV?

So far, HIV-positive people appear to be under functioning therapy and with a good immune status are not more at risk than others.

People with a severely weakened immune system could be at a higher risk of infection and a higher risk of a more severe course. However, there is currently a lack of reliable data on this.

People with HIV can also be vaccinated as long as their number of helpers is at least 100.

However, in people with a weaker or weakened immune system (100 to 750 helper cells per microlitre of blood plasma), it has been observed that the vaccination effect may be less pronounced.

How is "monkeypox" transmitted?

As HaThe main transmission route for Mpox viruses ("monkeypox viruses") is close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact (e.g. when cuddling or having sex), especially contact with skin lesions (rashes, blisters, pustules, wounds, scabs).

Particularly infectious is the Liquid in the vesicles and from the Woundsthat occur after the vesicles burst, as well as the Scabthat forms above it.

The virus can also be transmitted through objects used during sex (e.g. sex toys) or through contact with textiles (e.g. clothing, bed linen, towels) to which scab residues containing Mpox viruses adhere.

Main entrance gates for the virus into the body are in the current outbreak the mucous membranes involved during sex (anal region, penis, oral cavity).

Detailed information: Monkeypox transmission

What are the symptoms of "monkeypox"?

Symptoms can appear as early as the day after infection. They usually begin within 5 to 11 daysbut it can also take up to three weeks (incubation period).

Typical are Sometimes very painful skin changes - from rashes/spots to nodules and blisters to pustules, wounds and scabs.

The skin changes often begin in the Face, in the genital or anal region. The pain caused by this can be so severe that it has to be treated in hospital.

Bacterial superinfections are also possible, i.e. inflammation of the damaged areas.

The "pox" usually heals on its own after two to four weeks, but can leave scars.

The skin changes are often caused by General symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle or back pain or swollen lymph nodes.

Vaccination against smallpox was compulsory in the FRG until 1976 and in the GDR until 1982. Many people who were born before this time have this typical Smallpox vaccination scar on the upper arm. )