City of Salzburg – More visibility for rare diseases
Berthold: “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome turns life upside down”
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disease that is largely unknown to the general public. But due to Covid-19, the number of sick people has increased massively. Internationally abbreviated as ME/CFS (“Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”), patients of the chronic multisystem disease suffer from severe exhaustion and weakness lasting at least six months. There are also flu-like symptoms, sore throats, muscle and joint pain and infections.
To raise awareness of this disease on the international ME/CFS action day, May 12th, the Mirabell Palace will be illuminated in blue that evening.
“More and more people are currently reporting massive states of exhaustion – mostly after contracting Covid. It slows them down and changes their everyday and social life very much. People with chronic fatigue syndrome know this from painful experience. Not just for a limited time, but permanently, her whole life is turned upside down. Constant exhaustion and pain force many to give up all their activities outside the home and to withdraw from their professional life,” informs City Councilor Martina Berthold. “It is therefore very good that this disease is now becoming better known and that the people affected are able to speak for themselves.”
The situation is currently being exacerbated by Long-Covid: because initial studies and testimonials from those affected suggest that Covid patients can become ME/CFS sufferers. In addition, Austria, i.e. the ME/CFS help, is one of the few western countries where there is still no specialized contact point for those affected.
On May 12, 2022, not only will the Mirabell Palace be illuminated to draw attention to this disease, but other buildings and landmarks will also be illuminated, such as the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, the Graz Clock Tower, the St. Pöltner Klangturm and the Golden Roof in Innsbruck.