Category: Austrian News

Austria is seeing a sharp rise in infections with the West Nile virus (WNV), with 2024 marking a record year. According to new findings from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and a long-term study by the Medical University of Vienna, 37 human cases were confirmed—more than ever before. The virus was first detected in Austria in 2009. Researchers warn that the pathogen, transmitted by native mosquito species, is no longer appearing sporadically. Instead, it is spreading continuously across the country. As a result, experts now classify West Nile virus as…

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Austria’s population continued to grow in 2025, but at a noticeably slower pace than in previous years. According to preliminary figures released by Statistics Austria on Monday, 9,219,113 people were living in the country on 1 January 2026 — an increase of 21,900, or 0.2 percent, compared with the beginning of 2025. The growth rate marks a further decline from previous years: population increased by 0.4 percent in 2024, 0.6 percent in 2023, and 1.4 percent in 2022. “Austria’s population is still growing, but the pace has slowed again in…

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The Chamber of Labour of Upper Austria (AK OÖ) has issued a sharp warning about dubious locksmith services that exploit people in stressful situations. When someone is locked out of their home, the urgency and panic often make them vulnerable to dishonest providers who demand excessive fees and use questionable practices. According to the AK, many complaints involve so‑called “emergency services” found online. What appears to be a local company often turns out to be a mailbox firm registered abroad. Customers report long waiting times, only to be met by…

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Austria faces another week of unsettled weather, according to forecasts from Geosphere Austria. While sunshine will make occasional appearances, a warm front arriving Tuesday will bring milder air and rising temperatures of up to 12°C — but only for a short time. In short: the sun will return, but only briefly, before Austria slips back into a cycle of clouds, rain, and shifting snow lines.

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The debate over COVID-19 vaccines continues years after the pandemic began. A new long-term study now provides crucial scientific insights into how effective mRNA vaccines truly were and what impact they had. Researchers led by Laura Semenzato from France’s drug safety authority analyzed data from more than 28 million people. The study compared 22.7 million vaccinated individuals with 5.9 million unvaccinated people aged 18 to 59 over nearly four years (November 2021 to September 2025). By statistically balancing the two groups, the researchers ensured reliable conclusions about benefits and risks.…

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In Austria, the temptation to call in sick without being truly ill is widespread. Whether it’s exhaustion, stress, or simply the desire for a day off, many employees consider asking their doctor for a sick note even when their health is not genuinely impaired. But while the practice may seem harmless, lying to obtain a medical certificate carries significant risks—both medically and legally. Why Patients Sometimes Mislead Their Doctors Common excuses such as stomach flu or back pain are often used because they are difficult to verify from a distance.…

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The year 2026 got off to a chilly start, with January coming in about one degree colder than the long-term average from 1991 to 2020. Looking further back, however, paints a different picture. Compared to the reference period from 1961 to 1990, January 2026 would actually be considered normal — even around 0.5 degrees warmer than average, according to meteorologists at the weather service Ubimet.“This is yet another sign of how climate change has already shifted our perception and reference points,” the experts noted. Foehn Winds Push Temperatures Up February…

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Vienna, February 2 – The Snow Moon, the traditional full moon of February, is lighting up the skies over Austria this week. Although it is not classified as a supermoon, the celestial body appears noticeably larger between February 1 and 3, depending on local weather conditions. Weather Challenges for Stargazers On Monday evening, heavy fog made viewing difficult, while forecasts for Tuesday predict overcast skies and possible nighttime snowfall. Still, in regions with clear skies, the distinctive glow of the Snow Moon can be seen with the naked eye. Best…

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Austria is heading into a notably changeable start to February, with a mix of sunshine, fog, snowfall and a Mediterranean low-pressure system shaping the week ahead. According to the Hohe Warte and Geosphere Austria, temperatures will swing widely: while mornings may still bring frost and sub-zero readings, some afternoons could climb into the double‑digit plus range. Monday: Sunshine in the West, Fog and Clouds Elsewhere The workweek opens with contrasting conditions across the country. Western regions can expect mostly sunny skies, while low-lying areas begin the day shrouded in fog.…

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