Measles outbreak in Vogtland: children not sufficiently vaccinated affected

The children affected by a measles outbreak in Vogtland were not sufficiently vaccinated against the disease, according to the public health department. According to current legislation, children attending kindergartens, after-school care centers or schools must provide proof of vaccination against measles. In this particular case, twelve children aged up to 13 from two families were recently infected. According to the district office, the majority of them are under six years old and did not attend a daycare center. Older children cannot be excluded from attending school due to compulsory school attendance, even without a measles vaccination, the authority explained on Thursday in response to a dpa inquiry. "Entry bans cannot be imposed in this case."

According to the district office, home isolation was imposed on the sick children during the infection period and the schoolchildren were excluded from school. Measles is reportedly one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can lead to serious complications in children under the age of five and adolescents. Symptoms include fever, conjunctivitis and the typical skin rash. Anyone who has had measles once is immune.