Measles Shockwave: Germany's Measles Resurgence Revealed
"Measles resurfaces, even hits Germany"
authored by Jessie Dash
Measles, once presumed to be a disease of the past, is making a comeback, not just in the U.S., but across Europe - and Germany is no exception. With the highest number of cases recorded in 25 years, this once-vanquished virus is wreaking havoc.
A telltale sign of a high fever, a parching dry cough, and embarrassed rashes covering the body, measles poses a threat to our well-being. Thanks to advances in medicine and effective vaccinations, this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease could have been eliminated. So, what's the deal with its resurrection?
Understanding Measles and Europe's Resurgence
Last year, Europe reported a doubling of measles cases, reaching a record high in a quarter-century, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The resurgence of measles is not just a U.S. issue; it's a global health crisis. And Germany, despite a mandatory measles vaccination introduced in 2020, is experiencing more infections.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 645 measles cases in 2023, marking a shocking increase from the previous year's 79 cases and a staggering drop compared to the mere 15 cases in 2022. About 15% of the current measles infections are attributed to infected travelers spreading the virus in Germany. But what about the rest?
The Pivotal Role of Vaccination
As Sebastian Schmidt, a senior physician at the Polyclinic for Children and Adolescent Medicine in Greifswald, points out, "If cases are increasing, it's an indication that vaccinations are no longer being consistently carried out." To achieve herd immunity against measles, a vaccination rate of 95% is required. Countries like Australia, China, and South Korea have demonstrated this is achievable, having officially eliminated measles.
Germany is far from this goal. According to RKI data, only 87% of children aged 15 months were vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in 2023, and the figures for the second vaccination, which grants full immunity, are even worse, with only 77% of two-year-olds receiving the complete protection.
Potential Dangers of Measles and the Importance of Vaccination
While measles may seem like a run-of-the-mill childhood illness, it carries potentially serious consequences. These include a rare form of encephalitis, which can cause permanent damage, as well as Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive brain inflammation that occurs six to eight years after a measles infection and is usually fatal.
Recent tragic incidents in the U.S. serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers posed by the virus. Last year, a previously healthy, unvaccinated six-year-old child in Texas succumbed to the disease, marking the first measles fatality in the country in ten years. Measles had previously been eradicated in the U.S.
The Measles Vaccination: Myths and Facts
Concerns about the safety of the measles vaccine have prompted some parents to forgo vaccinating their children. However, experts like Schmidt believe that these concerns are largely unfounded.
The measles vaccine is a live vaccine, using weakened forms of the pathogen that cause the disease. The aim is to stimulate the immune system, encouraging it to recognize the virus and create antibodies. Despite claims to the contrary, the vaccine does not cause deaths, as shown by studies and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) surveillance program in the U.S.
Conclusion: The Power of Vaccination and the Fight Against Measles
Measles remains a threat to public health in Europe, and Germany is not immune to this resurgence. To combat the virus, it's crucial to prioritize vaccination coverage, address misinformation, and maintain robust healthcare infrastructure. After all, as a study published in "The Lancet" in 2024 shows, vaccines have prevented over 93 million deaths worldwide since 1974. Let's not allow this progress to be undone.
[1] BBC News. (June 1, 2021). Measles cases continue to rise across Europe. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57213802
[2] World Health Organization. (September 14, 2022). Measles outbreaks in the European region. https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/outbreaks-and-response/measles-outbreaks
[3] Kaiser Family Foundation. (July 14, 2021). Measles outbreaks in the U.S. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/measles-outbreaks-in-the-us/
[4] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (December 2021). Measles – latest updates. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/measles
Keywords: Measles, Children, Disease, Robert Koch Institute, Vaccination
- In Germany, the highest number of measles cases recorded in 25 years has raised concerns about community health, with over 645 cases reported in 2023, a steep increase from the previous year's 79 cases.
- Despite Germany introducing a mandatory measles vaccination in 2020, the country is experiencing more infections due to declining vaccination rates, with only 87% of children aged 15 months and 77% of two-year-olds receiving the complete vaccination, falling short of the required 95% for herd immunity.
- The resurgence of measles in Germany is a reminder of the potential dangers posed by the virus, such as the development of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive brain inflammation that can be fatal and is usually diagnosed six to eight years after a measles infection.
