Health Companion
13. July 2022
Fast-Track-Berlin
19. May 2023The viral infection Mpox/”monkeypox” occurred in Berlin in 2022 among men* having sex with men*.
MPX is transmitted mainly through close physical contact (e.g. sex) and usually heals on its own. However, severe cases exist.
Good to know
Symptoms (includes photos)A few days to 3 weeks after infection, symptoms of Mpox first appear.
Early symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, headaches and joint/muscle pain.
Skin lesions typically follow: Spots appear and develop into pimples, blisters, pustules and finally scabs. They often occur in groups, but can also appear singularly. They may first appear around the genitals or anus and can also occur inside the mouth. They may be very painful.
Mpox is transmitted primarily through close skin contact, such as sex, kissing, or cuddling.
Also possible is transmission through shared sex toys or through contact with bedding or towels used by a person who just has Mpox.
Patients are infectious until symptoms are gone, the skin has healed and all scabs have fallen off. This takes around 3 weeks.
Right now, the more sex you have with multiple changing partners, the higher your risk is to catch MPX.
Condoms cannot prevent MPX infection. They do, however, minimize the risk of painful lesions around the genitals and anus.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself.
→ Where can I get vaccinated?
Deutsche Aidshilfe has further information.
Also see the Berlin Office for Health & Social Affairs and the national scientific medical institute Robert Koch-Institut.
In case of symptoms
Do you have symptoms or suspicions? We recommend consulting an HIV/STI specialist near you. These practices are most familiar with mpox and queer lifeworlds.
If you are in a lot of pain or it’s the weekend you can also visit a hospital:
- St. Joseph Hospital – Tempelhof
- Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria Klinikum – Schöneberg
- Charité – Mitte
Where can I get vaccinated?
There is a vaccination against Mpox. It is recommended for:
- Men who have sex with men, with multiple changing partners
- People who have recently had close skin contact with someone who is diagnosed with mpox (i.e., even after a risk has occurred)
Your best bet is to ask your HIV/STI specialist who e.g. provides your PrEP.
All medical practices and hospitals that perform Mpox vaccinations in Berlin: