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Several students at the Rudolf Steiner School in Mayrwies have contracted measles. On Thursday, there will be an information session for parents. Regional Health Director Christoph König warns of the dangers of the disease.
SALZBURG (LK) – Following a notice from the Berchtesgadenerland District Office that a female and a male student from Freilassing, who attend the Rudolf Steiner School (Waldorf School) in Salzburg Mayrwies, were diagnosed with measles on March 15, 2008, the Salzburg City Health Department reported three additional suspected measles cases on Wednesday. These cases involve siblings who also attend the Rudolf Steiner School. In addition, seven other children from Freilassing who attend the same school are believed to be infected, according to Regional Health Director Dr. Christoph König.
Since measles carries significant risks, it’s crucial to prevent its spread by all available means. The Salzburg City Health Department will hold an information session for teachers and parents on Thursday, March 20, at 7 PM at the Rudolf Steiner School. Additionally, the Health Department in Salzburg can be reached at 0662-8072-4815 or -4816 for more information. City Health Department physician Dr. Helga Perner is also available at 0662-8072-4828.
Vaccination Against Measles Recommended
Besides general hygiene measures against this droplet infection (avoiding kisses, handshakes, and handwashing after contact with potentially infected individuals), vaccination is especially recommended. This vaccine, administered with weakened live viruses, is usually given twice in the second year of life. Although a ring vaccination (up to 72 hours after initial contact with an infected person) would be too late to prevent the current outbreak, it provides future protection if individuals within the 18-day incubation period return to school in an infectious state. The vaccine is offered for free as part of the measles eradication program by the Health Department. Students can also receive the free vaccine from doctors specializing in pediatric and adolescent medicine as well as general practitioners. In Austria, only a combined vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is approved, so it must be used, explained Dr. König.
Highly Contagious Disease
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, transmitted through inhalation of infectious droplets (speaking, coughing, sneezing) and contact with infectious nasal and throat secretions. The incubation period is about 10 days before the onset of symptoms (runny nose, conjunctivitis, cough) and 14 days until the appearance of the characteristic rash, which can take up to 18 days. The risk of contagion begins five days before the rash appears and lasts until four days after.
Two-Phase Illness Progression
The illness progresses in two phases: initially, for about four days, with symptoms of fever, conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, and sensitivity to light, along with a rash on the palate. Small, white spots on the inner cheeks (Koplik spots) are typical. A raised, blotchy rash then appears on the face and behind the ears. The rash lasts up to 10 days and ends with a flaky peeling of the skin. Around the second day of the rash, fever usually subsides.
Potentially Fatal Disease
Measles severely impacts the immune system, causing temporary immune suppression for six weeks, increasing the risk of middle ear infections and pneumonia. Although rare, it can also lead to severe post-infectious encephalitis (brain inflammation) occurring four to seven days after the rash. This condition results in headaches, fever, and altered consciousness, which can progress to coma. In 10-20% of cases, it is fatal, and 20-30% experience permanent nervous system damage. During a recent larger outbreak in North Rhine-Westphalia, among over 2,000 measles cases, one child died, and encephalitis complications were confirmed.
In Salzburg, the first vaccination rate has been above 90% for years, although the second dose uptake has been less consistent and should improve. The occurrence of measles should serve as a reminder to review both personal and children’s vaccination statuses and to update them as needed. The measles vaccination is part of the Austrian vaccination program, free due to its importance for individuals, society, and the healthcare system. Annual expenditures amounting to millions of euros are a worthwhile investment, considering the prevention of lifelong disabilities. The widespread belief that measles is harmless because it is a “childhood disease” unfortunately leads to a dangerous underestimation of this serious infectious disease, explained the Regional Health Director.