The measles alarm is also growing in Italy, a serious and highly contagious viral infectious disease that can lead to complications (encephalitis, blindness, pneumonia) and death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and rashes all over the body. The virus spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. There is no antiviral therapy.
Measles vaccination, which began in 1963, prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021 and resulted in a global reduction in incidence. Every year more than 100,000 people die, primarily people under the age of 5.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to interruptions in epidemiological surveillance and vaccination activities: the resulting decline in vaccination rates has left millions of children vulnerable. Geographic areas with reduced vaccination coverage increase the likelihood of epidemics.
From 1 January to 31 March this year, 213 cases were notified in Italy, of which 34 in January, 93 in February and 86 in March 2024. The average age is 31 years, with a higher incidence in the 0- 4 years. No cases (for now) in Sardinia.