Caution advised

After cluster in Mürztal: first measles case in Graz

A child with measles

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, krone.at-Grafik)

After several cases in Upper Styria, the provincial capital is now also affected: The Graz health department reported a person suffering from measles on Friday morning.

Head Eva Winter on the recommended procedure for suspected cases of measles: "It is crucial to avoid contact and thus opportunities for infection, especially on public transport and in waiting rooms." Before visiting a doctor, it is essential to inform the staff about the suspicion. City Councillor for Health Robert Krotzer (KPÖ) also reminds people to avoid contact with other people as far as possible and to clarify the next steps via the health hotline 1450.

"Vaccination is highly effective"
Both emphasize the importance of vaccination. There have been gaps here in recent years, which is why measles is now on the rise again. Winter encourages the population to have their vaccinations checked. The free measles vaccination is "highly effective and protects not only those who have been vaccinated, but also those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons or who are still too young to be vaccinated".

Seventh case in Styria
The case in Graz is now the seventh in Styria since the beginning of the year. All previous cases were recorded in eastern Upper Styria, the first at New Year, when an infected person visited an outpatient clinic in Bruck. Experts assume that the numbers are likely to increase further.