Germany has now seen its total number of reported monkeypox cases hit 3,186. Nearly half of that number—or 1,512—have been reported in Berlin. So far this month though, the number of new cases has been trending downward.
According to “Our World in Data,” the country peaked at a 7-day average (or “incidence”) of around 75 newly reported cases a day in mid-July. By early August, that incidence had decreased to about 45 new cases a day, before settling at around 30 new cases per day recently.
That downward slope broadly mirrors the incidence seen in countries like the UK, France, and Spain—Europe’s hardest hit country.
The United States and overall world totals have seen a couple of days of sharp declines recently, but it may be too early to tell whether that’s part of a longer trend.
Who’s at risk for monkeypox?
The vast majority of monkeypox cases, both in Germany and worldwide, have been detected in gay and bisexual men. Although scientists think there might be some potential for airborne transmission, monkeypox generally spreads through close physical contact.
That’s why gay and bisexual men with multiple sex partners are considered at particular risk.
Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends this group get the smallpox vaccine, which also provides good protection against monkeypox.
Those working in laboratory settings are also considered an at-risk group.
People who may have come into contact with a confirmed monkeypox case are also advised to seek a jab within four days of the potential exposure.
Where is Germany with monkeypox vaccination?
Germany ordered 240,000 doses of the Imvanex vaccine back in June, but received an initial delivery of only 40,000 doses. That’s far less than the projected figure of 130,000 people who fall into a risk group.
Since then, deliveries have been trickling in, but still aren’t meeting demand—with waiting lists of people who want the vaccine getting longer.
Das Datum für die zweite Lieferung des #Affenpocken-Impfstoffs ist weiter offen. Die über 30 Impfstellen in #Berlin haben akuten Mangel an Vakzinen. Tausende Impfwillige müssen vertröstet werden – und die Gesundheitsverwaltung ist ratlos. https://t.co/8ZNKkYnTBO pic.twitter.com/q1FZpwwqyO
— Tagesspiegel Checkpoint (@TspCheckpoint) August 11, 2022
Hard-hit Berlin received an initial delivery of 8,000 doses, and is waiting for an additional 65,000 to arrive—although vaccination centres have not yet been told when.
The full order of 240,000 doses is currently set to be filled only by the end of September.
READ ALSO: Who can get the monkeypox vaccine in Germany – and how?
Vocabulary
Vaccination – (die) Impfung
Vaccine – (der) Impfstoff
Monkeypox – (die) Affenpocken
to infect - ansteckenÂ
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