Germany reports big increase in measles in 2024
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports that as of August 31, Germany has seen 435 measles cases in 2024.
This number is already six times higher than in the whole of 2023 (79 cases).
Since the introduction of mandatory reporting for acute measles cases in Germany in 2001, the number of measles cases reported to the RKI has decreased. This is due to the fact that vaccination has been available for over 50 years and the steadily increasing vaccination rates.
However, the number of cases for 2024 is already at a level that is well above the key target of less than 1 case per 1 million inhabitants per year set out in the National Vaccination Plan.
Measles are caused by the measles virus and are highly contagious. Measles viruses can be transmitted through contact with secretions from the nose or throat. Infection usually occurs via small droplets that are spread through the air when sick people cough, sneeze or speak and are inhaled by others. Transmission is also possible without direct contact, for example in rooms where sick people have previously been.
Measles begins with non-specific symptoms such as fever, cough and runny nose, inflammation of the conjunctiva and whitish, chalky spots on the oral mucosa. A few days later, the typical skin rash with brownish-pink spots appears. The rash first appears on the face and behind the ears, then spreads over the whole body and usually lasts for 4 to 7 days. As it subsides, the skin may become flaking.
The most common complications of measles are middle ear infections, diarrhea and pneumonia. A particularly serious complication of measles is encephalitis. It occurs in about one in 1,000 cases of measles, around 4 to 7 days after the onset of the rash. 10 to 20 percent of those affected die. 20 to 30 percent suffer serious after-effects such as mental disabilities or paralysis.
Very rarely, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) occurs several years after a measles infection. SSPE is a progressive disease of the brain and nervous system and is always fatal. Children who have had measles in the first five years of life are at higher risk of SSPE than all other age groups.
After a measles infection, the immune system can be weakened for up to a year or more, so there is an increased risk of other infections.