Measles up - but most infections from abroad

Tuesday, 18 June 2024 06:30

Measle cases are on the rise – but the Federal Health Office believes most of those infections were contracted abroad.

So far this year there have been 87 cases, in the whole of last year there were 23 and none in 2022 and 2021.

Experts don’t expect an epidemic here as the immunization rate is at 94%.

The increase in measles is reflecting the global situation. The World Health Organization says the measles rate is expected to stay high this year.

The organization says 136,000 died of measles in 2022 – mainly children under 5 years old.

More from Bitesize News

Thousands of Swiss nationals stuck in middle east

Bern says it’s not able to repatriate thousands of Swiss citizens who are either resident in the middle east - or stranded as their flights have been cancelled.
Anti-war demonstrators in Geneva

Around a hundred people gathered in Geneva yesterday evening to protest the war in Iran.
Parmelin signs EU deal

Swiss President Guy Parmelin met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels yesterday to advance a new package of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU.
Parliament moves closer to end murder loophole

Switzerland is moving closer to abolishing the 30 year statute of limitations for murder.
Water worker buried alive

A worker has died after being buried alive in canton Fribourg.
Petition for quiet cars on trains

A woman from Biel in canton Bern has launched an online petition calling for quiet carriages in second class on Swiss trains.