Maership risk increases: vaccination protection for children in the region urgently needed!
Maership risk increases: vaccination protection for children in the region urgently needed!
urgent recommendation in Germany: the increasing threat from measles
With the start of school, the revival of measles infections in Germany alarming is the focus of public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2023 of over 30,000 measles cases in Europe, a dramatic increase compared to only 941 cases in the previous year. This worrying signal requires urgent measures to contain the disease, especially through vaccinations.
The increase in measles cases raises questions about the vaccination Situation among the population. Dr. med. Susann Eichler, a specialist for pediatric and adolescent medicine in the medical care center Ohrdruf from Helios outpatient, emphasizes why it is crucial to protect children in particular by vaccinations. Although there is a vaccination for medical professions, daycare centers and schools in Germany, the vaccination rate is not as high as necessary, which contributes to the increasing number of infections.
What are measles? This viral disease is transferred exclusively by person to person and is one of the most contagious diseases worldwide. The transmission is carried out by tiny saliva droplets that are released when coughing or sneezing. In contact between an unvaccinated person and a sick person, the likelihood of infection is extremely high.
In addition, Dr. Eichler that the symptoms of measles disease can be serious: a high fever, followed by cough and a characteristic rash, is considered typical. Complications such as otitis media or even meningitis can occur, which makes the disease particularly dangerous.
Who is endangered? The unprotected infants and young adults who have not received any vaccinations as children are particularly risky. People with a weakened immune system are also at risk. Therefore, the constant vaccination commission (STIKO) calls for a quick catch -up of the vaccinations in the event of unclear vaccination status.
The wider vaccination campaign is essential for the containment of measles cases. A crucial factor is that most children and adults are vaccinated. Ensuring that parents demonstrate their children's vaccination status in schools is a step in the right direction. In addition, adults, in particular those who are in close contact with the endangered, must check their vaccination status and, if necessary, refresh.
Measle vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others. A vaccination pass with at least two vaccinations or a medical certificate of adequate immunity has been mandatory in Germany since 2020. In daycare centers, unvaccinated children can be excluded from the visit, while in schools often more complicated regulations apply, since compulsory schooling has priority.
In summary, we can say that the current situation not only affects the health of individuals, but also the entirety of the population and the health system in Germany. The willingness to vaccination must be strengthened and awareness of the dangers of measles. Only through joint efforts can we minimize the risk of measles eruptions and protect our children's health.press contact: Annette Kary, corporate communication & marketing, Tel: 0175 98 31 564, email: annette.kary@helios-gesundheit.de
Helios is Europe's leading private health service provider who treats millions of people every year. With over 80 clinics and 230 medical care centers in Germany, the company relies on high medical quality and transparency.