Measles, boom in cases starting from 2024. The ISS reports 213. Basetti: “The epidemic has begun and the worst is to come”

There were 213 measles cases reported from January 1st to March 31st. Of which 181, i.e. 85% confirmed. 2024 marks an increase and this is confirmed by the Higher Institute of Health in the latest bulletin edited by the national epidemiological surveillance on measles and rubella. In January, 34 infections were reported, 96 in the month of […]

I am 213 measles cases reported from January 1st to March 31st. Of which 181Meaning what 85% confirmed. The 2024 marks an increase and confirms it the Higher Institute of Health in the latest bulletin edited by national epidemiological surveillance of measles and rubella. In January, 34 were the infections notified, 96 in the month of February and 86 in March. While almost 9 out of 10 infected (88.2%) they were not vaccinated.

Of the total measles cases recorded from the beginning of 2024 until the end of March, 18 are imported. And they represent the8.4%. The 68% of infections, that is 146 out of the total of 213was reported from three regions: Lazio (which reports the highest incidence), Sicily And Tuscany. While the average age of those infected is equal to 31 years oldbut high incidence has also been found among those who are older from 0 to 4 years: 11 people were infected who were less than one year old.

Furthermore, the transmission occurred in hospital 20 cases (11 cases among healthcare workers). While the 26.3%corresponding to 56 casesreported at least one complication, including 23 cases Of pneumonia and a case of encephalitis in a young, unvaccinated adult. During the same period, no cases of rubella were reported.

“The data confirms that unfortunately in 2024 it has started an epidemic – He says Matteo Bassettihead of infectious diseases at the San Martino hospital in Genoa – we have significant numbers, 213 cases in 3 months, compared to 2023 with few cases. It’s just the beginning, the worst is to come and I fear it will come soon of summer“. And regarding the disease, Bassetti warns: “It strikes me that no one worries due to the complications, it is not a calm and manageable disease, if you catch it as an adult it can be serious“. So how to move? “There vaccination it is the protection tool that the National Health Service must put in place. It is no longer the initiative of the individual, but it is needed state intervention who must protect themselves with vaccinations.”

Same path, that of vaccination, also recommended by Fabrizio Pregliasco, professor at the State University of Milan: “I don’t see any other option. There is a need to promote campaigns to restore vaccination protection”. And commenting on the latest bulletin released by the Higher Institute of Health, Pregliasco adds: “It is necessary information it’s a I commit proactively by the Prevention Departments. A call to vaccination for the categories at highest risk of contagion.”