2024-02-28 19:45:16
More people in this country are currently suffering from measles again. They are transmitted faster than the flu. How you can protect yourself from infection.
Measles is caused by viruses and occurs worldwide. In Germany the frequency has fallen sharply thanks to vaccinations. But cases of illness occur again and again among unprotected people. The number of cases in North Rhine-Westphalia is currently increasing sharply.
Measles is increasing in large German cities
As the country’s Ministry of Health reports, 24 cases of measles have already been reported this year. For comparison: According to the information, there were only two cases of measles in 2021 and 2022, and 15 in 2023. In the pre-Corona year 2020, 20 cases were registered.
“The focus of the measles incident in North Rhine-Westphalia since the beginning of the year has been on children,” explains a spokeswoman for the ministry. The patients have no or only incomplete vaccination protection. There could be many reasons for this: “These include missed or postponed appointments, especially for children during pandemic times, a low risk perception regarding measles disease or reservations about the safety of vaccinations,” said the spokeswoman.
At the beginning of February, the Cologne City Health Department had already noticed an increase in measles infections. An increasing number of measles cases were reported in Berlin at the end of 2023. Some of those affected were children and some were adults.
Info
According to the Infection Protection Act, measles is a reportable disease. This means that the suspicion, actual illness or death from measles must be reported to the health department.
The tricky thing about the virus is that it is highly infectious. In addition, less than 95 percent of the population is immune or vaccinated against measles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this quota is needed to eliminate the virus and prevent further outbreaks.
The risk of widespread measles spreading in Germany is very low compared to countries like Great Britain. There have been hundreds of infections there since autumn 2023 because the vaccination rate is too low. But measles can also be dangerous in this country for anyone without immune protection.
Infection, symptoms and risks: This is how dangerous measles is
Measles is spread by inhaling infectious droplets produced when speaking, coughing or sneezing. Almost every contact between a person without appropriate immune protection and a sick person leads to infection. And even from a few meters away.
Almost everyone who comes into contact with the viruses for the first time develops symptoms. The viral disease usually progresses in two phases: At the beginning there are flu-like symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and conjunctivitis. Later, white deposits may appear on the tongue and the oral mucosa turns red.
After a few days, the characteristic skin rash appears, which begins on the face and behind the ears and eventually spreads over the entire body. The spots gradually turn brownish to purple and fade after about seven days. The skin then flakes.
Measles can have serious consequences, particularly in children under the age of five and people with weakened immune systems. These include, for example:
- Middle ear infections (in 7 to 9 percent of those suffering from measles),
- Diarrhea (8 percent) and
- Pneumonia (1 to 6 percent).
Much less commonly, the virus can cause serious complications such as brain inflammation or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). SSPE is a fatal brain injury that can only occur several years after the measles infection.
According to statistics on causes of death, around three to seven people die every year in Germany as a result of measles. There has long been a consensus that they are not a harmless childhood disease.
Good to know
Anyone who has had measles is immune to the virus for life – meaning they cannot get sick again. In addition, the person cannot transmit the virus to others.
There is currently no specific medication against measles. Treatment is therefore aimed at alleviating the symptoms. For example, fever-reducing agents are suitable for this. Physical rest and bed rest are also recommended. The disease usually heals without any problems; hospitalization is only necessary in severe cases.
If you suspect measles, those affected should contact their family doctor or pediatrician’s office by telephone.
Measles vaccination offers reliable protection
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends that all children be vaccinated against measles. Two partial vaccinations are necessary for complete vaccination protection. The first vaccination should, if possible, be given between the ages of 11 and 14 months, and the second between the ages of 15 and 23 months. Adults born after 1970 who have not yet had the disease or have not been (fully) vaccinated should also receive a vaccination. It is best to check your vaccination certificate to see whether your protection against measles is sufficient.
Measles vaccination has been mandatory for certain groups of people since March 2020. You must be able to prove that you have been sufficiently vaccinated or have already had measles. Read here who this obligation applies to.