In Italy, the number of measles cases has been on the rise, with a total of 213 reported cases in the first quarter of 2024. The national incidence rate was 14.5 cases per million inhabitants, with the highest number of cases observed in the 0-4 age group followed by the 15-39 age group. Of these cases, 18 have been identified as imported cases.
Matteo Bassetti, head of infectious diseases at the San Martino polyclinic in Genoa, has raised concerns about the growing number of cases, stating that these numbers indicate the beginning of an epidemic. Bassetti emphasized that measles is not a calm and manageable disease, especially in adulthood, and called for urgent intervention by the State to implement vaccination programs.
The median age of reported cases is 31 years, with three-quarters of cases falling between the ages of 15 and 64. Complications such as hepatitis/transaminase elevation and pneumonia have been reported, with hospitalizations and emergency room visits also on the rise. The transmission of the virus has mainly occurred within families, healthcare settings, work environments, and schools.
Experts like Fabrizio Pregliasco, a professor at the University of Milan, are urging for the promotion of vaccination campaigns to increase protection against measles. Pregliasco stressed the importance of information dissemination and proactive prevention measures to combat the spread of the disease.
With the highest incidence of cases in Lazio, regions across Italy have reported measles cases, highlighting the need for immediate action to control the outbreak and prevent further complications. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in protecting against measles, and efforts must be made to ensure widespread vaccination coverage to curb the spread of the disease.