Italy faces rising measles outbreak with 472 cases reported

measles outbreak vaccination coverage public health emergency Italy health news epidemiological surveillance

Health experts in Italy are warning of a significant measles outbreak following a sharp increase in confirmed cases. Data shows that 472 cases were recorded in the first five months of 2026, up from 322 during the same period in 2025.

Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco noted that a concerning number of infections are affecting adolescents and young adults, many of whom may have incomplete vaccination records. Medical authorities emphasize that two doses of the vaccine are necessary for full protection. Epidemiological analysis indicates that over 90% of infections occurred in unvaccinated individuals, while nearly 6% occurred in those who had received only a single dose.

In the Liguria region, an unprecedented outbreak has resulted in 12 cases within 20 days, leading to hospitalizations for severe complications including pulmonary, neurological, and hepatic issues. Infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti warned that Italy may be facing a serious epidemic, with rising trends also observed in Campania, Calabria, Lazio, and Tuscany. The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a circular to strengthen surveillance and promote targeted vaccination campaigns.

Entities

Fabrizio Pregliasco · Italy · Lucilla Gagliardi · Matteo Bassetti · Ministry of Health · Order of Physicians of Chieti · University of Milan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Confirmed measles cases in Italy rose from 322 in 2025 to 472 in the first five months of 2026. www.chietitoday.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] More than 90% of measles infections occurred in unvaccinated individuals. www.chietitoday.it
[● 13 SOURCES] Two doses of the vaccine are required for adequate protection against measles. lamilano.it · www.notizie.it · www.cagliarilivetv.it · laragione.eu · www.codirp.it · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] A significant portion of measles cases involves adolescents and young adults. lamilano.it · www.notizie.it · www.cagliarilivetv.it · laragione.eu · www.codirp.it · +8 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Nearly 6% of infections occurred in individuals who had received only one vaccine dose. www.chietitoday.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Italy confirmed 472 measles cases in the first five months of 2026. www.chietitoday.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Liguria recorded 12 measles cases in 20 days, resulting in 4 hospitalizations for pulmonary, neurological, and hepatic complications. www.vetrinatv.it · www.genovatoday.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Measles cases show an increasing trend in Campania, Calabria, Lazio, and Tuscany. www.vetrinatv.it · www.genovatoday.it