Measles Alarm in Vienna: Student Breaks Quarantine and Rides Tram

High fever, red spots, and cough are common signs of measles. In the last ten days, three children and adolescents with measles have appeared in a doctor's office in Vienna-Ottakring.

Student traveled by tram to doctor despite measles infection

Particularly concerning is the case of a 10-year-old who came to the practice symptomatically without prior notice. According to information from one of the medical practices, this patient even had a quarantine order after a measles case was detected in his class. This means he should not have left his home. Nevertheless, he traveled by tram to the doctor's office, where the diagnosis of measles was made. As reported by ORF, his visit could have also infected three babies who were also in the practice.

Severe consequences of measles infection possible

The possible consequences of measles are severe. Measles can be transmitted through talking, coughing, or sneezing – even four days before the first symptoms appear, infected individuals are contagious. The disease is not considered a harmless childhood illness; about one in five children with measles develops a complication. In one out of 1,000 cases, the disease even leads to a life-threatening brain inflammation, which can cause permanent damage. Unvaccinated infants are particularly at risk.

Urgent appeal for vaccination

To effectively protect the population from measles, a vaccination rate of 95 percent is required – a value that leads to herd immunity and minimizes the risk of local outbreaks. Unfortunately, Vienna is currently moving away from this goal. Experts urge the population to check their vaccination status and, if necessary, speak with their general practitioner or pediatrician to consider a booster vaccination.

Despite the availability and proven effectiveness of the measles vaccine, there are still people who do not get vaccinated for various reasons. Often, it is irrational fears, religious beliefs, or ideological standpoints that prevent vaccination. However, it is important to emphasize that the measles vaccine has been available since the 1960s and hundreds of millions of doses have already been administered. It is considered well-tolerated and effective.

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