An electron micrograph shows mature oval monkeypox virus (l).
© dpa
About five months after the start of the monkeypox outbreak, the situation in the Berlin hotspot seems to be calming down further.
After 200 or more cases per week were reported in the metropolis at times during the summer, only a few cases have been reported each week since September, according to a database of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). For the past reporting week, there are so far three cases from Berlin recorded.
The number of vaccinations administered through the end of September was 12,955, the Senate Department for Health stated in response to a query. Data for October were not yet available. About nine out of ten of the recorded vaccinations are first vaccinations, which according to the Standing Commission on Vaccination (Stiko) provide a good basic protection.
In view of prolonged vaccine shortages, the Stiko advised that the second vaccination should be made up as soon as enough of the agent is available. In particular, it said, it should extend the duration of protection. In September, the proportion of second vaccinations was 22 percent, above average, according to the health administration. As the agency explained, there is no longer a "concrete shortage." However, demand had long exceeded supply.
The Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) reports a total of around 1670 people affected by the outbreak - by far the most in a comparison of the German states. As of November 1, about 3670 affected persons were reported to the RKI nationwide. The institute also speaks of a declining development for Germany. Nevertheless, the outbreak is not yet over, the Lageso states on its information website on monkeypox.
The international outbreak was declared a "public health emergency of international concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July - and will remain so for now, the WHO decided on Wednesday. It is the highest alert level the WHO can impose to alert governments and urge them to take precautions. There has been progress in the fight against the disease, it said. But new infections continue to occur and some countries do not yet have sufficient diagnostic and treatment facilities or vaccines.
The first monkeypox case in Germany became known in May. In Berlin, vaccinations against the viral infection had begun in mid-July. The Stiko recommends this to certain groups and people who have had close contact with infected persons. It sees an increased risk of infection above all in men who have same-sex sexual contact with changing partners. Presumably, increased awareness and behavioral cues have also contributed to the decline in numbers.