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[HEALTH] · Italy · 32 sources

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Italy measles cases rise amid low vaccination coverage

Italy is experiencing a rise in measles cases, according to a recent epidemiological analysis from the Ministry of Health. In the first five months of 2026, 472 cases were confirmed, an increase from 322 in 2025. The surge is particularly notable in regions such as Calabria, where cases rose from 17 in 2025 to 265 in 2026, and Campania, which saw an increase from 18 to 100 cases.

Health experts, including infectious disease specialist Massimo Andreoni, have raised alarms regarding low vaccination coverage, which sits at approximately 80%—well below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The data indicates that the average age of patients is now over 30, with many cases occurring among young adults aged 15 to 39. In Liguria, 12 cases were reported since September 1, 2026, primarily affecting unvaccinated adults between 30 and 55 years old.

The Ministry of Health noted that in 2024, no Italian region met the recommended two-dose vaccination threshold. Furthermore, the virus is circulating among healthcare workers; 55 out of 417 identified professionals were confirmed cases. The hospitalization rate for measles in 2026 reached approximately 60%, with some patients experiencing severe complications such as pneumonia, neurological issues, and liver complications.

Entities

Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Italian Ministry of Health · Italy · Liguria · Maria Rosaria Campitiello · Massimo Andreoni · Massimo Nicolò · Matteo Bassetti · Ministry of Health · World Health Organization

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