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Measles in Italy

03 Jul 2017

The Italian National Centre for Disease Prevention has reported that between 1 January and 25 June 2017 3232 cases of measles were diagnosed in Italy. Of these cases nearly 90% were unvaccinated while 7% had received only one dose of vaccine. Under 5 years olds constituted just under 20% of the cases while those aged 15-39 years constituted the majority. Cases were reported from across Italy.

By way of comparison in the first 6 months of 2016 there were 478 cases of measles diagnosed in Italy.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles