04 Sep 2024 | 10:53 AM UTC
Germany: Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in early September
Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in Germany in early September. Obtain vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated measles activity in multiple areas in Germany, with 435 cases reported Jan. 1-Aug. 28. This is compared to 42 cases reported for a similar period in 2023. North Rhine-Westphalia (134 cases) is the most affected state, followed by Berlin (91 cases), Bayern (61 cases), Lower Saxony (36 cases), Hessen (26 cases), Baden-Wurttemberg (24 cases), Hamburg (15 cases), and Saxony (15 cases). Health officials advise prompt vaccination for exposed individuals, isolation of infected cases, and administering antibodies for those unable to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 4.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
The vaccination coverage for the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV 1) among one-year-olds in Germany was 97 percent in 2023, above the WHO's recommendation of 95 percent coverage to prevent wider public transmission. The previous years' case counts were roughly 76 cases in 2020, 63 cases in 2021, 69 cases in 2022, and 123 cases in 2023.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
