11 Apr 2024 | 12:22 PM UTC
Italy: Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in April
Elevated measles outbreak activity reported in multiple areas in Italy in April. Confirm vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated measles activity in multiple areas in Italy, with a total of 213 cases (of which 18 were imported cases) reported Jan. 1-March 31. This is compared to the four measles cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Lazio (64 cases) is the most affected, followed by Sicily (45 cases), Tuscany (37 cases), Lombardy (15 cases), Veneto (14 cases), and Campania (11 cases). Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against measles to prevent disease transmission. This report represents the most complete data available as of April 11.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
Measles vaccination coverage in Italy was estimated at 94 percent in 2022, which falls within the 92-95 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. For the current outbreak, only 187 out of the 213 reported cases had a known vaccination status, of which 165 cases (88.2 percent) were not vaccinated at the time of infection. Health officials reported 43 cases of measles each in Italy in 2023, 15 cases in 2022, 9 cases in 2021, and 103 cases in 2020.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
