Growing number of infections: measles spreads WHO alarms

The World Health Organization sounds the alarm: in 2017, the number of measles infections increased by one-third over the previous year – and the trend is maintained. There is also reason to worry in Germany.

Given the rapid spread of the measles virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) is alarmed. In 2017, 30% more cases were registered worldwide, according to the United Nations in Geneva.

This year, the number of cases in November was 10% higher than in the previous year.

The WHO had already set a goal of eradicating measles by 2020. This goal should now be missed.

The Germans too reckless?

Development in Germany is also worrying, the experts said. Because many parents rarely see measles cases, they may underestimate the danger and become reckless, said Martin Friede of the WHO's Department of Immunization. "We are victims of our own success."

A report from the National Measles / Rubella Verification Commission (NAVKO) indicates the number of measles infections in Germany with 929 cases. The National Action Plan for the Elimination of Measles has been "partially or not carried out", says the report.

In contrast to Germany, 37 out of 53 European states have managed to eliminate measles. Germany has missed this goal again and again.

An infectious disease can be fatal

An infection with the measles virus accompanies red skin patches, exhaustion and fever. In some cases, lungs and meningitis may occur. Infants under two years old are particularly at risk. There is no specific treatment, but a disease can be prevented by vaccination.

"Measles is a very contagious, sometimes fatal disease that has many complications," warned immunization expert Ann Lindstrand. Of 110,000 of the 190,000 cases recorded last year, the infection was fatal, according to WHO. As a result, most deaths have been recorded in children.