Strong increase also in Switzerland: Germany is trembling about a wave of measles due to the low vaccination rate

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Several measles outbreaks are making headlines in Germany. The major cities of Berlin and Cologne are particularly affected. The city’s health authorities have noted an increase in infections. Some of those affected were children and some adults.

In 2023, Germany recorded 53 cases of measles. In 2022 there were a total of 14 cases, the year before there were 9. 10 cases have already been reported for 2024. This is evident from data from the German Robert Koch Institute. In Germany, less than 95 percent of the population has been vaccinated. According to the WHO, this quota is necessary to eradicate the virus and contain its spread. Nevertheless, scientists consider the risk of a wave of spread to be low.

Strong increase in Switzerland

The number of measles cases has also risen again in Switzerland since the end of the corona pandemic, says Céline Reymond of the Federal Office for Public Health (BAG) when asked. After not a single case of measles was reported between 2020 and 2022, the BAG registered 40 cases last year. Twelve cases have already been reported in 2024. The BAG attributes the strong increase to the end of the Covid measures: “The measures to limit Covid-19 have greatly reduced the spread of measles in Switzerland and Europe.” This no longer applies.

There are also local outbreaks with consequences. The Lausanne Hotel Management School (EHL) campus will remain closed until February 18, 2024 due to several cases of measles. “All necessary measures to prevent further spread have been taken,” the BAG writes. Measles is a notifiable disease. This means that suspected actual illness or death due to measles must be reported to health authorities.

At EHL this means, among other things: online lessons. The cantonal health department has also ordered a check on the measles vaccination status of all students, staff and teachers.

Complications from measles can lead to death

Measles is caused by viruses and occurs worldwide. The disease is often imported from abroad. The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted via droplets. As a rule, infected people develop a high fever, runny nose or cough. Later, white deposits may appear on the tongue and the oral mucosa may become red. In addition, rashes occur all over the body. Occasionally, a complication of a measles infection leads to death, even in unprotected but healthy people.

According to Reymond, a double vaccination offers very effective, lifelong protection against diseases. “You don’t see deaths among fully vaccinated people.” It is important that everyone gets vaccinated to protect themselves against this disease and its consequences.

Source: Blick