Italy, Greece and Co Measles vaccine protection especially in holiday countries necessary

Protection on Travel: Measles vaccine protection especially in holiday countries necessary

Already for months is pointed to the increasing number of measles cases in Germany. Also from holiday countries such as Italy, France or Greece, more cases of illness were reported. Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml calls now to have the vaccine checked before going on vacation.

Measles cases are reported more frequently from holiday destinations

Measles are still dismissed by some people as a harmless childhood disease. But the disease also affects adults. According to a statement from the Bavarian Ministry of Health, the number of measles cases in the Free State has increased significantly compared to the same period of the previous year. And measles cases are also reported from holiday destinations such as France, Greece and Italy. The Bavarian Minister of Health therefore calls for checking her own vaccination before traveling.

Not only in Germany, but also from holiday countries such as France, Greece and Italy are reported more measles cases. Therefore, one should better check his vaccine protection before a trip. (Image: Stock Photos-MG / fotolia.com)

Disease cases have doubled

"In Bavaria, 89 measles cases have already been reported to us this year. That is more than twice as many cases as in the same period of the previous year. For this reason, we must not let up in our efforts to close down the population in the future! "Said Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml.

"Your own vaccine protection should be checked again before the next vacation trip. A missing vaccination should then be made in consultation with the doctor, "said the minister, who is a self-approved doctor.

"Because even in the classic German holiday countries such as France, Greece and Italy occur more measles cases."

High proportion of diseased adolescents and adults

It has been reported that measles reported in recent years has a high proportion of diseased adolescents and adults.

In Bavaria, for example, just over half of the reported cases (55 percent) in the years from 2013 to 2018 (until reporting week 30) were 15 to 45 years old.

"We recommend having the vaccination card checked regularly for missed or missing vaccinations," said Huml.

"For measles, only those who have been immunized against measles once in childhood twice or as adults, have complete protection. Adults especially need a measles vaccine if they have not been vaccinated, have received only a vaccination in childhood or the vaccination status is unclear. "

The President of the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), dr. Andreas Zapf, added: "Measles are among the most contagious infectious diseases. They can also be very severe in adults, leading to encephalitis or even death. Vaccination, on the other hand, provides effective protection. "

Protecting yourself and others

Huml emphasized: "Those who are vaccinated protect themselves and others! That should also consider vaccine opponents. "

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) "a vaccination rate of at least 95 percent is necessary to eradicate measles," said the Minister.

In connection with the infectious disease is repeatedly discussed a possible measles vaccination in Germany. In Italy, such was introduced by law last year.

A majority of Germans would welcome the obligation to vaccinate, but many experts are against it. They rely more on education than vaccination. (Ad)