Measles infections in Berlin are increasing – the medical association warns

The number of measles infections in Berlin has increased since the beginning of the year. As the Berlin Medical Association announced on Friday, seven cases of measles have already been reported in the capital in the first months of 2024, including two small children. According to the observations of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo), people in accommodation for asylum seekers and homeless people are currently particularly affected. Most of the cases occurred there.

In at least four cases, the measles infection was not recognized during initial medical treatment. One of the affected children alone is said to have had contact with at least 100 people. “Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases,” said the medical association. “The infection occurs both via droplets and aerogenically or through direct contact with infectious secretions.” The number of reported measles infections increased sharply in various European countries in 2023.

In September 2023, hundreds of residents had to be quarantined after a measles outbreak in an arrival center for refugees in Berlin-Reinickendorf. After the first two cases of infection with the highly contagious virus, hundreds of facility residents were vaccinated against measles.

Measles is not just a harmless childhood disease

Measles symptoms begin about ten to twelve days after infection with fever, conjunctivitis, a runny nose and cough. The typical reddish-brown rash begins about two to four days later, usually on the face and behind the ears. Within three to four days, the rash spreads over the entire body. An infection or suspected illness must be reported to the responsible health authority.

A measles infection can cause serious complications such as brain inflammation and can have fatal long-term consequences even after several years. Experts have long criticized the claim that it is just a harmless childhood illness. Since March 2020, vaccination against measles has been mandatory, which applies to daycare centers and schools and also applies to some professional groups such as staff in hospitals.