With mpox, Berlin has recorded 125 infections this year so far. After the level at the start of the year was significantly higher than in previous years, the number of cases has clearly declined in the past few weeks and aligned with the level of the same period last year (127 cases), according to the Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) in its current weekly report on infectious diseases (PDF, as of July 15). Nevertheless, there are still markedly more cases than in the same period in 2024 (29) and 2023 (10).
According to the data, the majority of cases involve men. Those infected this year were between 19 and 66 years old. For 110 people, vaccination status was known, of whom about half (53 percent) had received at least one mpox or smallpox vaccination.
Mpox is primarily transmitted during sex
Mpox is a rare disease and is transmitted through close physical contact, especially during sex. The risk of infection is highest when you come into contact with the typical skin changes (blisters or crusts) of mpox-infected people. Droplet transmission is also possible, meaning through saliva.
Certain groups in Germany are recommended to receive mpox vaccination. Among others, this includes men who have sex with men and frequently change partners, as well as sex workers. For a basic immunization, two doses are required.
Lageso urges mpox vaccination
The high case numbers could indicate that mpox is continuing to spread within sexual networks of gay and bisexual men, as well as more generally among men who have sex with men.
In light of the current Pride season, the agency is sharing information about mpox vaccination in dating apps, on social media, or on postcards and posters in English and German. “If your summer consists of Pride events, club nights, a darkroom, or spontaneous encounters via dating apps, then mpox vaccination belongs just as much to your night-out outfit as your outfit,” reads an Instagram post.
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