Resurgence of Childhood Illnesses in the Post-Covid Period According to BARMER Reports
In the Saarland region, a decline in the number of scarlet fever infections among children aged 14 and under was observed from 4,058 cases in 2019 to 437 cases in 2021, representing an impressive 89% drop [1]. However, health officials are now sounding the alarm, warning of a potential surge in severe cases of childhood diseases such as scarlet fever, hand, foot and mouth disease, measles, and chickenpox [2].
This resurgence is largely attributed to reduced immunity and vaccination gaps caused by pandemic-related disruptions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, mask-wearing, and lockdowns significantly reduced the transmission of many infectious diseases, leading to an initial decline in cases [2]. However, these measures also meant that many children were not exposed to common pathogens as they normally would be, which can delay or reduce the natural build-up of immunity in the population.
Additionally, there has been a notable drop in routine childhood vaccination coverage during and after the pandemic. Disruptions in healthcare services and vaccine hesitancy have led to lower vaccination rates against diseases like measles and chickenpox, which rely heavily on widespread immunization to prevent outbreaks [2]. This immunity gap, combined with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions leading to increased social interactions, creates fertile conditions for outbreaks and potentially more severe cases of childhood illnesses.
In a recent report, BARMER, a medical institution, has warned of potential catch-up effects and an increase in severe cases of these childhood diseases in the Saarland. The decline in scarlet fever infections is good news, but Regional Managing Director of BARMER in Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, Dunja Kleis, has stated that a potential increase this year should not be ruled out [1].
The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed significantly impacted the spread of childhood illnesses in the Saarland region. While cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, measles, and chickenpox have also significantly decreased in the same period, the number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases increased from 658 in 2020 to 2,209 in 2021 [1].
Kleis interprets the predicted increase in scarlet fever infections as intense catch-up effects. She emphasizes the need for further observation of HFMD after the complete lifting of contact restrictions and the mask requirement, and for scientifically sound concepts with a sense of proportion to serve as a blueprint for future pandemics [1].
Experts agree that the right lessons must be drawn from the pandemic to avoid similar negative effects in the future for childhood diseases. Kleis stresses the need to avoid similar negative effects for children's health in future pandemics, and she calls for further observation and study to better understand the unusual development of diseases like HFMD [1].
In conclusion, the rise in severe childhood illness cases in the Saarland is linked to immunity reduction caused by pandemic measures and declines in vaccination coverage during that period, resulting in increased vulnerability as normal social contact resumes [1][2]. As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to learn from these experiences to protect the health of future generations.
References: [1] BARMER. (2022). BARMER warns of potential catch-up effects and an increase in severe cases of childhood diseases in the Saarland. Retrieved from https://www.barmer.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/04/04/barmerexperten-warnt-vor-potenziellen-catch-up-effekten-und-einem-anstieg-an-schweren-fallen-an-kinderskrankheiten-im-saarland
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 and immunization services: guidance on maintaining essential immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021175
- The decline in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in potential outbreaks of diseases like measles and chickenpox, which are heavily reliant on widespread immunization to prevent severe cases.
- The resurgence of childhood diseases, such as hand, foot and mouth disease, measles, chickenpox, and scarlet fever, is attributed to reduced immunity and reduced vaccination rates, as well as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that have led to increased social interactions.
