Monkeypox - a cause for concern?
Ever since monkeypox became a topic in the media, parents have been asking whether it is also relevant for humans here and whether there is cause for concern, especially for children of course. Reason enough for us to take a look at the topic.
To start with: the answer is a very clear no. And it is not to be expected that monkeypox will cause problems for us and our children.
To explain: this virus has been around for a long time and there have been two strains for a long time. And one of these sub-types (type 1) has mutated in recent years (now called type 1b) and can now also be transmitted from person to person. Previously, transmission was only possible from rodents or monkeys to humans, hence the name. Now the sub-type 1b is also transmitted from person to person. Sexual contact or other very, very close physical contact is necessary for infection. That's the good news. The bad news is that the virus has a long incubation period, estimated at around 21 days, which means that people who do not yet have any symptoms may also be contagious.
The following symptoms are typical: you fall ill with a fever, aching limbs and the typical blisters/pox. Their contents are highly contagious.
In Africa, the virus is currently particularly rampant among young women and children and there is a relatively high mortality rate there due to poor medical care. Fortunately, experts do not expect this to be the case in Europe in the event of an outbreak, as it can be assumed that medical care is much better here.
First and foremost, however, it should be ensured that the virus does not reach Europe on a relevant scale in the first place. So far, there has only been one case in Sweden.
The most important thing is and remains: There is currently no relevant risk in Germany. However, it is certainly good and important that vaccinations are being carried out in the affected countries in Africa and that the World Health Organisation is keeping an eye on ensuring that the virus does not spread further.
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