Germany is facing a sharp increase in preventable diseases like measles and Hepatitis B, despite vaccines being readily accessible. Experts believe this rise is due to anti-vaccination propaganda on social media, disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases brought into the country from abroad.
The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s federal disease control agency, reported a significant surge in measles cases, with 614 recorded this year, compared to just eight three years ago. Measles, a potentially deadly airborne disease, especially affects young children with symptoms like high fever and rashes. It caused 107,000 global deaths in 2023, as per the World Health Organization.
Since 2019, German law mandates that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, with fines for non-compliance. Despite this, a triple threat of pandemic-related disruptions, vaccine skepticism, and imported cases has led to increased cases of preventable diseases, including Hepatitis B and whooping cough.
COVID-19 restrictions like social distancing and mask-wearing reduced the spread of infections, but also led to a decrease in doctor visits, as people feared contracting the virus at medical facilities. In addition, increased global mobility and immigration have brought cases of vaccine-preventable diseases from other regions, particularly from areas affected by war.
Recent studies indicate rising vaccine skepticism in Germany, with 25% of adults expressing doubts about vaccines in 2023, up from 21% the previous year. Although anti-vaccine activism remains a minority, its influence is amplified by social media and anti-COVID-19 protest movements.
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