Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors. But a renowned doctor warns: The Oktoberfest could become a springboard for a new wave of illness.
Business is booming at the Oktoberfest, the festival tents are full to the brim – and that will probably also have an impact on the number of sick people on the Isar. Clemens Wendtner, chief physician of infectious diseases at the LMU Clinic in Munich, warned in an interview with “Merkur” of a possible increase in the number of infections due to the largest folk festival in the world.
“The virus is happy about many people in often overcrowded tents with little air circulation and cheerful singing,” explained Wendtner. There is already an increase in the number of infections: the 7-day incidence in Munich rose from 8 in the week before the start of Oktoberfest to 13.2 on Wednesday. The Munich expert expects the incidence rates to triple to “30 and more” by the end of the Oktoberfest.
The expert fears that the world’s largest folk festival could have a “catalyst effect” for the start of the autumn wave. Although the current situation does not yet lead to significant strain on the hospital system due to seriously ill patients, absences due to sick employees are to be expected.
Wendtner has some advice for Munich residents who want to avoid infection: “In the end, anyone who is unsure or who wants to avoid annoying flu-like symptoms or post-Covid problems as much as possible can wear a mask.”
The Corona variant KP.3.1.1., a so-called supline of the FLiRT variants, currently dominates in Germany. This virus variant is not currently causing experts any major concerns. The Robert Koch Institute recently said there is currently no evidence that these variants cause more severe infections or different symptoms than other circulating virus variants.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends that groups of people who are particularly at risk receive an annual booster vaccination in the fall. This is intended to provide the best possible protection during the expected infection season. The groups include people aged 60 and over and those aged 6 months and over with an underlying disease who are associated with an increased risk of a severe course of Covid-19.
