Measles and hepatitis on the rise in Vienna

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Fever, accompanied by a skin rash covered with red pustules: the measles virus is highly contagious.

The Vienna Health Authority recently sent a warning to hospitals, emergency services, and doctors’ offices. In it, MA 15 reports an increase in measles and hepatitis cases in the city. Here are the reasons why and how you can protect yourself.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that is easily recognizable by the red pustules that cover the skin and cause fever. The insidious virus (transmitted by tiny droplets) often affects children, but also adults, and can have dire consequences if left untreated: mental disability, paralysis, and even fatal meningitis.

Even suspected cases of measles must be reported. According to the City of Vienna, there have been 59 confirmed cases of measles and 110 suspected cases as of this year. An exceptionally high number of cases were reported in March, April, and June.

According to a city hall insider, the main reasons are local vaccine skeptics and migrants who also refuse vaccinations or are unaware that one exists. Vaccination is the best protection against the virus. The vaccine is usually administered as a combination of mumps, measles, and rubella and is free of charge. Adults can also get vaccinated.

124 cases of hepatitis, no all-clear

Let’s move on to hepatitis A, which is also on the rise in Vienna. Since January, 124 cases have been reported in Vienna. A significant proportion of these are from homeless shelters. MA 15 is, therefore, distributing informational materials in various languages at the shelters.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus that is transmitted in risk areas through contaminated drinking water, contaminated food, or as a smear infection via surfaces. Many cases of hepatitis have also been reported in Austria’s neighboring countries.

Since hepatitis A does not have a predictable seasonal pattern, and given the situation in neighboring countries, no reduction in cases is expected in the coming weeks.

At the onset of the disease, symptoms may include fever and digestive problems. This is typically followed by a phase of liver inflammation and skin discoloration, often resulting in a yellowish hue. Hepatitis A usually heals completely, but it can be fatal if the liver is already damaged.

The best protection against severe cases is the hepatitis A vaccination. However, this is not offered for free—it costs approximately €50 to €65 per injection.