Increasing inclination against MPOX: Berlin's health center reacts

Increasing inclination against MPOX: Berlin's health center reacts

The viral disease MPOX, which in Africa and again and again ensures worrying outbursts, has dramatically increased the demand for vaccinations in Berlin. In response to the alarming registration cases in Central Africa and the associated risk assessment of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Berlin Center for Sexual Health faces a remarkable increase in vaccination queries. Between 20 and 40 people are now interested in an MPOX vaccination per week, as Jascha Sallmann from the Mitte district office reports. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that the situation in Berlin is not comparable to an acute threat situation compared to Africa.

In 2023, the WHO has determined an increase in the cases of MPOX Klade I, including the new and possibly more dangerous virus variant Klade IB. In Germany, on the other hand, according to the Robert Koch Institute, no Klade I have been proven, which is a certain all-clear. However, due to the MPOX outbreaks in Central Africa and the changed virus variant, the WHO has proclaimed the highest alarm level, which has increased the uncertainty among the population.

advisory needs increase significantly

The WHO reports have led to the need for advice on MPOX. "We are working intensively to calm the uncertainty among the population," said Sallmann and emphasized that the offer of advice is specifically intended for people without health insurance. Risk patients, which include men, are particularly affected

often have changing sexual partners. This illustrates the relevance of the vaccination campaign in order to contain a potential spread of the disease.

37 cases of MPOX have been registered in Berlin since the beginning of the year until last week. If you use the figures from 2022, this is a comparatively small number. All documented diseases refer to Klade II, which on average has milder form, while the new Klade I could bring more potentially serious illnesses.

vaccinations from September without prepayment

Another important detail is the change in vaccination practices: From September 1, patients with health insurance can take advantage of the vaccination without prepayment. So far, they had to advance the costs and later reclaim the amount from the health insurance companies, which was due to difficulties in the settlement between the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the health insurance companies. Now an agreement has been reached, which should significantly increase the accessibility of the vaccinations.

Oliver Fey, spokesman for the Berlin Health Management, emphasizes that the Pox vaccine IMVANEX is available as part of regular care. In the event of a vaccine bottleneck, Berlin is currently storing 330 packs of the Jynneos vaccine, which is not approved in the EU. However, it remains uncertain whether these doses can be available in an emergency because it is federal property.

The transmission path of the MPOX virus is characterized primarily by close skin contact, especially with sexually active contact or by close hugs and kisses. According to the RKI, there is an increased risk of infection if the infected skin changes such as rashes or scabs have. The term "MPOX" is derived from "Monkeypox", which goes back to the prehistory of the virus, which was first discovered in monkeys.

This increase in vaccination demand and the associated measures are significant to prevent a possible wave of the disease in Berlin. The public health strategy, coupled with increased sensitization of the population, could be crucial for keeping the situation under control.

dpa