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Lack of vaccine protection Three times mother died of measles in Germany
In Essen, a 37-year-old woman died of measles. The mother of three was evidently not sufficiently vaccinated against the dangerous infectious disease. Experts warn against dismissing measles as a harmless childhood disease.
Nationwide first measles death this year
At the weekend, a mother of three children from a measles infection died at the University Hospital Essen. The 37-year-old woman had been transferred to the hospital after her illness, but could not be rescued there, reports the "Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung" (WAZ). According to the "Westdeutscher Rundfunk" (WDR), this is the nation's first death this year after such an infection. Last year, the death of a six-year-old girl from Hesse after a measles disease caused a nationwide stir.
In Essen, a mother of three died of measles. The 37-year-old woman was apparently not vaccinated enough. (Image: pit24 / fotolia.com) No harmless teething
As health experts repeatedly emphasize, measles is not a harmless childhood disease. The disease also affects adults. Therefore, if necessary, they should check their measles vaccine protection.
The deceased woman in Essen was apparently insufficiently vaccinated against measles, according to WDR. The health department of the city therefore stated that she had received only one vaccination as a child.
However, according to the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO), children should be vaccinated twice. Adults should also have their vaccination status checked.
Vaccine Recommendations
"A single measles vaccine is generally recommended for all adults born after 1970 who have not been vaccinated against measles or whose immunization status is unclear," writes the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on its website.
"Persons born before 1970 are likely to have already gone through the measles," it continues. Many are then immune.
But, "If adults born before 1970 had contact with measles sufferers and are not sure whether they are protected against infection by previous illness or vaccination, they should be vaccinated against measles."
Regardless of age, it is also recommended that people in health care or people working in community facilities such as kindergartens or kindergartens, prophylaxis.
You can get infected quickly
Essen's health department chief Peter Renzel also emphasized the importance of protection. He told the WAZ: "Measles are not a harmless child disease, but can lead to meningitis in children and pneumonia in adults. Especially in adulthood, complications can occur. That's why immunization is especially important. "
Measles are highly contagious. The disease is transmitted by droplet infection. It begins with flu-like symptoms such as high fever, cough and runny nose. Later, the typical rash follows.
In general, measles weaken the immune system. As a result, it can come to, among other things, bronchitis, otitis media or pneumonia. In rarer cases also a brain inflammation can be the consequence.
Discussions about compulsory vaccination
In connection with the infectious disease is repeatedly discussed a possible measles vaccination in Germany. In Italy, such was recently introduced by decree of law.
However, many experts believe that education is better than a duty. In addition, there are some people who generally see or reject vaccinations critically.
The RKI, together with colleagues from the Paul Ehrlich Institute, explains its "20 most common objections to vaccination" on its website. (Ad)