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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Two outbreaks of measles in Germany 2005
A Siedler1, A Tischer, A Mankertz
1Respiratory Diseases and Immunization group, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany.
Summary
Measles outbreaks occurred in Germany in 2005 despite high vaccination rates. Localized pockets of unvaccinated children, particularly in schools, fueled these regional measles epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles incidence decreased in Germany due to rising vaccination coverage.
- Despite this, measles re-emerged in 2005, with outbreaks in Hesse and Bavaria.
- These outbreaks highlighted regional variations in disease transmission and virus genotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of measles outbreaks in Hesse and Bavaria in 2005.
- To compare the age distribution, transmission patterns, and measles virus genotypes between the two outbreaks.
- To understand the role of vaccination coverage and local factors in measles re-emergence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mandatory reporting system data for measles cases in Hesse and Bavaria.
- Epidemiological investigation of outbreak clusters, including age distribution and transmission settings.
- Molecular analysis of measles virus samples to determine genotype and nucleotide sequences.
Main Results:
- Hesse outbreak: 223 cases, genotype D4, primarily in unvaccinated children.
- Bavaria outbreak: 279 cases, genotype D6, highest attack rate in 5-9 year olds, concentrated in schools/preschools, predominantly unvaccinated children.
- Both outbreaks showed high proportions of unvaccinated cases (95% Hesse, 98% Bavaria).
Conclusions:
- Localized low vaccination coverage and high concentrations of unvaccinated children in settings like schools can trigger outbreaks.
- Even with high average vaccination rates, regional disparities can lead to significant measles re-emergence.
- Targeted vaccination strategies addressing local coverage gaps are crucial for measles prevention.
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