Increase in measles infection incidents once more
Measles are extremely contagious and can potentially lead to serious health issues. Despite having effective vaccine protection, measles cases have surged in Germany this year. As of recently, over 550 cases have been documented by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), with most of the affected individuals being unvaccinated.
In contrast, only 79 cases were reported in 2023 and a mere 15 cases in 2022. However, a higher number of cases were recorded in previous years, such as around 2,470 cases in 2015 and 1,770 in 2013.
Individuals aged between 0 to 75 years have contracted measles this year, with a significant impact on children in their first two years of life. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported thus far.
Importance of Traveler Health Monitoring
The RKI revealed that many measles cases are often attributed to infected travelers who spread the virus in Germany. This year, around 15% of reported cases fall under this category.
In Germany, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends a two-dose vaccination regimen for all children. The first dose should be administered between 11 to 14 months, followed by the second dose between 15 to 23 months.
Measles: A Fully Preventable Disease
Leif Erik Sander, a prominent infectious diseases expert from the Berlin Charité, pointed out that measles can be entirely eradicated with vaccination, except in rare cases. Despite this, measles cases are on the rise in numerous countries, including Germany. "It's not just a local issue," he stressed, "it's a global trend."
Determining the root cause of Germany's rising measles cases is challenging, according to Sander, who is a board member of the German Society for Infectious Diseases. Coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, people may have had lesser exposure to pathogens, potentially leading to a slight decrease in immunity. Additionally, studies suggest a decline in vaccination enthusiasm among the public. "A minor decrease in vaccination rates can greatly amplify the risk of outbreaks," concluded Sander.
Mandatory Vaccination and Vaccination Gaps
Since 2020, it has been mandatory for children older than one year to present proof of measles vaccination prior to enrolling in daycare or school. However, according to the RKI, many children still receive their vaccinations late or incompletely. Only about 81% of children born in 2019 had received both doses by their second birthday.
Measles is an incredibly contagious disease that can lead to serious health issues and, in severe cases, be fatal. The virus can spread through rhinovirus particles, respiratory droplets, aerosols produced during speaking, coughing, and sneezing. Common symptoms include fever, conjunctivitis, a runny nose, cough, and headache, followed by white to blue-white spots on the inner lining of the mouth. This is later followed by a high fever and a distinctive measles rash with brownish-pink spots. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in some extreme cases, death. Sander estimates that one out of every 1,000 infected individuals dies from measles.
The obligation to vaccinate against measles is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease, especially considering the rise in cases even among countries with effective vaccine protection like Germany. Failure to comply with this obligation contributes to the higher number of measles cases, as evidenced by the higher incidence among the unvaccinated population in Germany.
