More and more measles infections - high proportion of ill adolescents and adults

Number of measles cases has risen - Minister calls for vaccination

Only recently, an increasing number of measles cases in Germany has been reported. Even in Bavaria, more and more people get sick of the disease, which can be protected against by vaccination.

Significantly more measles cases than in the previous year

Measles are still dismissed by some people as a harmless childhood disease. But the infectious disease also affects adults. So far this year, more people have been ill in Bavaria than in the same period of the previous year. This was pointed out by Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml. The minister called for vaccinations to protect her from this dangerous disease.

The number of measles cases in Bavaria has increased again. The Minister of Health of the Free State calls for vaccinations to protect her from this disease. (Image: pit24 / fotolia.com)

Highly contagious disease

According to the information, a total of 18 measles cases were reported to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) by 26 March. There were 13 cases in 2017 and only 4 in 2016.

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 follows the characteristic rash.

In general, measles weaken the immune system. As a result, it can come to, among other things, bronchitis, otitis media or pneumonia.

"In addition, this highly contagious disease can take a very heavy course with serious long-term health consequences. In many cases even a hospital stay is necessary, "warned Huml.

In rare cases, the infection can be fatal.

More and more adolescents and adults get sick

The disease is particularly dangerous in infants and toddlers.

According to the ministry, the number of measles reports in recent years has been high, with a high proportion of ill adolescents and adults.

"Alleged childhood illnesses such as the measles occur more and more in adulthood," says Huml, who is a trained doctor.

Vaccination also for adults

The minister called for vaccinations to protect her from this disease. "Vaccination is the best protection against highly contagious diseases like measles. Who is vaccinated, protects himself and others! That should also consider vaccine opponents, "said Huml.

In Germany, the measles vaccine is recommended for children from the eleventh month of life, for infants in a daycare from the ninth month.

Adults should also check their measles vaccine protection if necessary.

"Only those who are vaccinated against measles once in childhood twice or in adulthood have complete protection," explained Huml.

It is also important to know that, according to the Minister of Health, "Infectious dependents and caregivers" pose "a potential health risk for newborns who are not yet vaccinated".

Huml warned: "As long as there are picking in the population, measles outbreaks can occur again and again." (Ad)