Number of cases - Increase in ringworm cases seen in schools and childcare institutions.
In schools and daycare centers across Saxony-Anhalt, a higher number of measles cases have been reported this year compared to previous years. As of mid-May, there were more than 1,200 reported cases, while in the five years prior, only around 340 cases were reported. The State Office for Consumer Protection noted, however, that measles are not strictly required to be reported individually. Instead, outbreaks are reported by childcare facilities to health authorities, who then voluntarily forward them. This year, there were clearly more cases.
Similarly, reports of increased measles numbers have been made in other regions of Germany and European countries. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a report in mid-April, which mentioned measles outbreaks in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and France, among other places.
Mothers who have not experienced measles before are at higher risk of developing severe complications, as the virus can potentially cause life-threatening damage to their unborn child's blood-forming system.
One of the most recognized symptoms of measles is the rash that develops one to two weeks after infection. It appears as butterfly-shaped, large-spotted redness on the cheeks, followed by similar redness on the shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, sometimes forming garlands around the limbs. Along with the rash, other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headaches are also common. Often, measles go unnoticed, especially in children, who usually recover without any major issues. In adults, however, the symptoms are typically stronger. Pregnant women who have not been infected before are at an increased risk if the virus is transmitted to their unborn children, as it can cause severe damage to the child's blood-forming system.
The current high activity of measles can be attributed to the fact that the number of cases was very low during the pandemic due to lockdowns and hygiene measures. Now, the virus has a significantly larger pool of susceptible hosts to infect. Experts point out that this increase in cases was largely predicted by health care professionals.
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In response to the rising number of measles cases in Saxony-Anhalt, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease, particularly as the number of reported cases in Kindergartens has also seen an increase. This year, Kindergartens in the region have reported over 200 measles cases, a significant jump from the average of around 20 cases per year.
Despite the prevalence of measles in Saxony-Anhalt, there have been reports of a decrease in the number of reported cases of other viral diseases, such as the common cold and flu. Some experts speculate that this may be due to the increase in handwashing and other hygiene measures resulting from the ongoing awareness around viral infections.
As schools and Kindergartens across Saxony-Anhalt continue to grapple with the increase in measles cases, some parents have expressed concerns about the safety of their children in these environments. In response, health officials have stressed the importance of vaccination and have launched public education campaigns to increase awareness about the risks of measles and other viral diseases.
Source: www.stern.de
