Cluster in Leibnitz

Styria: 31 measles cases, vaccination rate weakens

There have already been 35 cases of measles in Styria this year - now a new cluster has become known in Leibnitz. The infectious disease is highly contagious, with almost 30 percent of those affected requiring hospital treatment. However, there are major differences in vaccination rates between the districts.

What doctors had predicted before the semester break has now come true, weeks after the school break: Measles cases have continued to rise. There have already been 31 diagnoses in Styria this year. Unlike last year, when most measles cases were due to a cluster after a wedding, doctors are groping in the dark this year. "This is even more worrying and highlights our weaknesses in terms of vaccination coverage," says GP Michael Adomeit.