A new variant of the M-monkeypox virus, labeled as “Clade 1b”, has been identified in Germany.

According to the announcement from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany, the first case of the new variant of the M-monkeypox virus (Clade 1b) was detected on October 18th.

The statement mentioned that the risk to public health in Germany is considered low, and the situation is being closely monitored.

Similar to smallpox, the M-monkeypox virus leads to symptoms such as high fever, headache, back and muscle pain, chills, shivering, and rash on the skin. WHAT IS THE M VIRUS? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the M-monkeypox virus is a viral disease caused by the “monkeypox” virus belonging to the Poxviridae virus family and Orthopoxvirus genus. The M-monkeypox virus was first discovered in monkeys used for research purposes in Denmark in 1958. In 1970, the virus was recorded in a 9-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marked as “the first documented case of mpox in humans.” At that time, the spread of the virus was limited to Western and Central African countries. SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX VIRUS Among the common symptoms of the disease are high fever, headache, back and muscle pain, swelling in the lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, shivering, and blister-like bumps on the skin.

WAYS OF TRANSMISSION OF MONKEYPOX VIRUS The M-monkeypox virus is transmitted from rodents such as mice and squirrels or infected individuals. Touching the body rashes caused by the virus, using clothing, sheets, towels, and similar items contaminated by these rashes, and coming into contact with bodily fluids are among the major causes of transmission. The initial symptoms can appear between 5 to 21 days after contracting the virus. The confirmation of M-monkeypox is done by testing the skin lesion signs in the laboratory. There is no specific treatment for the disease, and it is managed with supportive care and antiviral drugs. Vaccines and treatments developed for smallpox, approved for use in some countries, can also be used for M-monkeypox in certain cases. The majority of cases experience mild symptoms and recover their health within a few weeks.