Italian measles cases on the rise

The latest monthly Bulletin of the National Surveillance System of the Institute of Health (ISS) reveals that, between 1 January and 31 August 2024, 864 measles cases were reported in Italy (22 cases per million inhabitants), with 53 of these occurring in August 2024. 90.3% of all reported cases within the specified period were laboratory-confirmed, while 7.2% were identified as imported cases. A total of 17 regions and autonomous provinces have reported cases since the beginning of the year. Of the regions that have been affected, eight (Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, Campania, Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Liguria) have been the source of 90.7% of all reported cases. The report indicates that Abruzzo has the highest incidence rate (52.0 per million inhabitants). 53% of cases were observed in adolescents or young adults, while 23.9% were identified in individuals aged 40 years or above. The highest incidence, however, was observed in children under five years of age, with 41 cases reported in children under one year of age, who are too young to be vaccinated. Currently, no antiviral treatment is available. The vaccine is specific to the measles virus and represents the optimal strategy for protection, preventing infection and providing lifelong immunity.