More Hasenpest infections in Baden-Württemberg-alarm for the population!

More Hasenpest infections in Baden-Württemberg-alarm for the population!

In Baden-Württemberg, there is a worrying increase in infections with the rabbit plague, medically known as Tularemia. According to the Stuttgart Ministry of Health, 46 cases were reported until the beginning of December, almost twice as in the previous year. In 2020, only eleven cases were registered. It is worrying that from 2020 to 2023 four people have already died of this disease, although luckily no deaths have been recorded this year. The transmission of the pathogen can be done via direct contact with infected animals or their carcass, through contaminated drinking water or the preparation of inadequate meat. The inhalation of dust -containing dust also represents a source of danger, as the SWR currently reported.

rs Virus: mild course expected

While the rabbit plague is alarming in itself, there are also positive reports from the region. After a hard winter in which the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) overloaded the children's clinics in Baden-Württemberg, a more relaxed course is forecast for this year. Despite the existing delivery bottlenecks in the RSV vaccine, the State Health Ministry reported that the supply can be covered by imports. So far, only isolated cases have occurred in the clinics, which gives hope for a mild course. Pediatrician Friedrich Reichert from the Stuttgart Clinic was optimistic and emphasized that the most endangered infants are vaccinated to avoid the most difficult courses.

The vaccinations against RSV, which will be recommended for newborns from autumn 2024, should protect especially in the first phase of life. However, the child doctors warn that unreliable delivery remains in the practices, which makes immunization against RSV difficult. Although the clinics are well cared for with vaccines, pediatric practices have to prepare for a strenuous winter. The situation could still be worsened by the continuing challenges in the distribution of vaccines, which the pediatricians could face with additional problems, as the Tagesschau reported.

For more information, read the reports from SWR Aktuell and Tagesschau