Widespread vaccination against measles is key, argue Swiss public health officials
Keystone / Sascha Steinbach
The first death involved a 30-year old man who had not been immunised, and who was infected by relatives. He received the vaccination 67 hours after exposure, but it was too late: he came down with the infection and died at home, shortly after showing the first symptoms, the health office saidExternal link on Thursday. The exact cause of death in being investigated.
The second death was of a 70-year-old man who had a compromised immune system due to cancer. He died a few days after infection due to pneumonia caused by measles. It is not yet known how he got the disease.
In light of the deaths, public health officials one again highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated against measles. They emphasised the vaccine’s effectiveness not only in protecting individuals, but in stopping the infection from spreading to those who can’t be vaccinated such as babies, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
The health office said that since the beginning of the year there have been 155 registered cases of measles in Switzerland. Detailed data for January to mid-April show 138 cases, a more than seven-fold increase compared to the same period in 2018 (19 cases).
The health office said the situation was “fragile” and that measles could only be eliminated if 95% of children and adults born after 1963 were vaccinated with two doses of the jab.
Larger outbreaks in the Swiss cantons of Neuchâtel and Bern have shown that extra measures to stop the disease from spreading are needed, the office continued. This included identifying contact persons and stopping children who are not immunised from attending daycare and schools. Passengers who have been travelling in the same plane as someone with measles must also be informed of this, and about measures to take.
More
More
Why some Swiss people still get measles
This content was published on
Measles, a potentially deadly virus, is still breaking out in Switzerland, despite the availability of vaccinations.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Prince William will attend final of Women’s Euro 2025 in Basel
This content was published on
The heir to the British throne will be watching the final of the European Women's Football Championship live in the stadium on Sunday.
Reduced fine for Credit Suisse in currency cartel case
This content was published on
The Court of Justice of the European Union has reduced the fine imposed on Credit Suisse from €83.2 million to €28.9 million, while confirming its involvement in a spot foreign exchange cartel.
This content was published on
A study conducted at the University of Zurich has shown that when animals make decisions for their group, their hearts beat faster.
Swiss firm ABB to electrify one of the largest oil and gas terminals
This content was published on
ABB has won a major contract in Azerbaijan for the electrification and grid stability of one of the world's largest oil and gas terminals, Sangachal.
Swiss railways’ ‘invisible disabilities’ lanyards prove popular
This content was published on
According to the Swiss Federal Railways, there is great interest in its lanyards for travellers with invisible disabilities.
This content was published on
A prisoner who escaped on Thursday in Baden, canton Aargau, is still on the run. The 23-year-old Albanian, who was in custody for burglary, was wearing handcuffs when he escaped.
Swiss city places information boards next to Nazi memorial
This content was published on
The city of Chur in eastern Switzerland has erected four information boards next to the Nazi memorial in the Daleu cemetery.
Swiss heat: parallels drawn with 2003 ‘summer of century’
This content was published on
Looking at the current weather situation in Switzerland, the private weather service MeteoNews has drawn parallels with the hot summer of 2003.
Vaccine scepticism – a phenomenon in affluent societies
This content was published on
Some parents in Switzerland decide not to have their children vaccinated, which prevents the full eradication of certain diseases. Why?
This content was published on
Switzerland is on track to see the most cases of measles in years in 2017. The problem just won't go away, as data shows.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.