Highest sickness rate across Germany found in Saxony-Anhalt
In the first half of 2025, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, experienced a 13 percent increase in sick days due to respiratory illnesses, including flu and colds, according to an analysis conducted by the Berlin-based IGES Institute on behalf of DAK-Gesundheit.
The analysis, which focused solely on the first half of the year, revealed that respiratory illnesses accounted for 22 percent of the total absenteeism. This increase is most likely related to a rise in respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and other viruses, combined with environmental factors like the presence of the oak processionary moth caterpillars known to cause respiratory symptoms.
The German government advisory panel reported an increase in COVID-19 cases as well as other respiratory infections during 2025, which would contribute to increased respiratory-related sick days. The oak processionary moth caterpillar is recognized as a public health hazard in the Börde district of Saxony-Anhalt, causing respiratory irritation and sometimes bronchitis or asthma when its stinging hairs are inhaled or come into contact with mucous membranes.
Despite the slight decrease in the overall absenteeism rate compared to last year, Steffen Meyrich, the regional head of DAK, stated that the absenteeism rate remains high. The analysis showed that more than half (55.7 percent) of working-age adults were sick at least once between January and June 2025.
The analysis did not provide data for the second half of 2025 or for any previous years, nor did it compare the absenteeism rate or sick leave statistics of other German states. It is important to note that the analysis did not provide any direct causal data linking chemical pollutants like PFAS to the increase, but research into immune effects of PFAS exposure is ongoing and might be relevant in the longer term.
Employers in Saxony-Anhalt are encouraged to continue focusing on health promotion and occupational health management in light of these findings. Psychological illnesses such as depression accounted for 15 percent of the total sick leave in the first half of 2025, while musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain accounted for 19 percent.
The infection wave of colds subsided from the second quarter onwards in 2025, offering hope for improved health outcomes in the second half of the year. However, it is crucial for public health authorities and employers to remain vigilant and continue supporting measures to promote health and wellbeing in the region.
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