Rösrath, Germany – A precautionary school closure has been implemented at a special needs school in Rösrath, North Rhine-Westphalia, following confirmed cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) among family members of students. The decision, made by the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis health authorities, aims to prevent the spread of this viral disease after it was first detected over the weekend.
The Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis announced on Monday, December 18, 2023, the closure of the school, stating students will participate in distance learning until the end of the week, including Friday, December 20, which is the last day of classes before the Christmas holidays. This step is part of broader health precautions taken to protect the vulnerable student population from potential virus transmission.
The outbreak began with the confirmation of the first mpox case within the family, which likely contracted the virus during travel to Africa. Over recent days, additional infections were confirmed within the family, including cases involving two children. The local health department, which consulted closely with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), undertook extensive contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been at risk.
“Nach intensivem Austausch mit dem Robert Koch-Institut und weiteren Fachinstitutionen haben sich das Gesundheitsamt des Rheinisch-Bergischen Kreises und die Schulleitung zu dieser vorbeugenden Maßnahme entschlossen,” reported the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, emphasizing the precautionary nature of the closure.
Authorities are implementing the distance learning arrangement as part of preventive measures, keeping the school premises closed to minimize interactions between students and curb the potential spread of the virus. The health administration has also confirmed they conducted thorough investigations of contact persons among both the educational and professional environments of those infected.
According to the health officials, "Die Verläufe der Erkrankung sind in der Regel mild,” which offers some reassurance about the nature of the mpox infections being monitored. While the current risk to the broader community is deemed low, the health authorities are maintaining vigilance to monitor the situation closely.
Mpox has been relatively rare but has seen increased attention due to its recent variant Klade 1b, now detected for the second time following cases acquired abroad. The first recorded cases of this variant were confirmed earlier this year with a male patient returning from Africa. It appears the family member involved had close contact with local populations during their travels, leading to infection.
“Für eine Übertragung von Mpox ist ein enger körperlicher Kontakt erforderlich,” stated RKI, emphasizing how close personal contact can facilitate the transmission of the virus, primarily through contact with fluid from skin lesions typical of mpox, or possibly through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Despite the precautionary closure, health authorities highlighted the overall low transmissibility of mpox. Most cases are typically mild, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and rashes resembling smallpox. While mpox has been endemic to parts of Africa for decades, new outbreaks related to international travel have underscored the importance of maintaining public awareness about the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised alarms related to this viral disease earlier this year, correlatively declaring the spread of Klade 1b as “a health emergency of international concern.” Reports indicated steep increases of mpox cases across regions, especially affecting countries like Kenya, Burundi, and Nigeria.
The rapid response of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis health authorities shows the commitment to public health and student safety, reinforcing the message of cooperation and transparency with the local community during these uncertain times. Schools across the region remain alert and informed about potential health risks, adapting swiftly to any changes as they arise.
Health officials continue to encourage parents to monitor their children for any symptoms consistent with mpox and to maintain open lines of communication with educators and health care providers.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for communities to stay informed and vigilant, especially as infectious diseases can swiftly cross borders and affect local populations. The steps taken by officials today could play a key role in averting widespread transmission as the region heads toward the winter holidays, where gatherings may pose additional risks of various infections.
