Since the beginning of the year, the number of measles infections in Baden-Württemberg has risen to 24. That is almost five times more cases than in the whole of 2023. This also corresponds to the European trend.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of measles cases is increasing is increasing rapidly throughout Europe. This trend is also evident in Baden-Württemberg.
Number of measles cases adjusts to pre-corona levels
As the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health announced in response to a request from SWR, the number of reported measles infections has risen to 24 cases since the beginning of the year. This is a significant increase from the previous year, in which five cases were reported. According to the ministry, there was a total of one case in 2022 and no measles case was reported in Baden-Württemberg in 2021.
Before the corona pandemic, things were different: in 2019 there were 73 cases and in 2020 a total of 23 cases. Measles infections, which are transmitted through droplets, have declined during the pandemic due to infection control measures, the ministry said.
BW Ministry of Health: Measles infections mostly from abroad
According to the Ministry of Health, in 80 percent of the infections registered so far in 2024, the sick people contracted measles either abroad or from a person who brought the disease from abroad. Measles infections are currently increasing worldwide. The Ministry of Health therefore expects a moderate increase in Baden-Württemberg and recommends vaccination.
Compulsory vaccination against measles for school children since 2020
Since March 2020, vaccination against measles has been compulsory for children who are to be cared for in a daycare center or by a childminder. According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccination rate has risen from 89.9 percent in 2019 to 96.5 percent in 2023. In order to contain the number of measles infections, the ministry “fully” supports the vaccination recommendation of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO).
Accordingly, all children from the age of eleven months should be vaccinated against measles with a total of two doses of vaccine. Since 2010, a single MMR vaccination has also been recommended for adults as a standard vaccination.
Measles are highly contagious and can be fatal
Measles is characterized by a spotty rash. In addition, those affected often have flu-like symptoms such as headaches, a runny nose, fever, cough or even conjunctivitis. According to immunologist Leif Eric Sander from the Charité Berlin, measles are very easily transmitted: it is estimated that one person can infect between 12 and 18 other people with measles.
SWR editor Stefan Troendle in conversation with Leif Eric Sander, immunologist at the Charité Berlin:
A measles infection is not without danger: it can cause permanent damage such as visual impairment and, in the worst case, can be fatal. A measles vaccination protects against both the disease and the infection. The virus cannot be passed on to others.
