There is currently an increase in measles infections in Cologne. In combination with the upcoming carnival, a potentially dangerous situation.
Cologne – Measles is going around in Cologne. According to a statement from the local health department, there were already more cases in 2024 than usual within a year. Given the highly contagious disease, this is depressing news. Especially during the carnival days, when thousands of people will once again meet in a small space in the metropolis on the Rhine to celebrate.
Measles cases increase during carnival time
The disease is not something to be trifled with. “Measles can cause serious complications in children under five years of age (and adults over 20 years of age),” says the health department. In individual cases this could even be brain and pneumonia. Almost every contact between a person without immune protection and a sick person leads to an infection. The virus is transmitted through infectious droplets when speaking, coughing and sneezing.
The characteristic rash only appears after a few days
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) therefore recommends vaccination against the aggressive virus. She recommends vaccination for all adults born after 1970. For children, two vaccinations would ensure good protection.
At the beginning of the disease, cough, runny nose and high fever may initially occur. Inflammation around the neck and throat as well as the connective tissue of the eyes is also common. It is usually only days later that symptoms commonly associated with the disease appear: a rash that spreads from the face and ears over the entire body.
Measles outbreak mainly in the south of the city
According to the health department, there have been a total of eight confirmed and two suspected cases in Cologne this year (as of February 7th). Most of them occurred in the south of the city. There is an obligation to report measles. (pkb)