MEASLES EPIDEMIC IN PISA TERRITORY

Key words: Measles, Rom community, Vaccination

The incidence of measles strongly decreased following the introduction of vaccination. However, new cases are steadily reported in Italy as well as in other European countries. By contrast, World Health Organization has targeted, by an extension of the program of vaccination, the eradication of the disease within 2010. Between April and November 2008, 44 cases of measles were diagnosed in Pisa and neighborhood. Out of them, 34 cases were observed in children of Rom immigrant communities. The majority of them were less than 8 year-old, and no patient was previously vaccinated against measles. Out of ten Italian patients, half of them were adolescents; eight of them did not receive vaccination and two did not complete the vaccination against measles. Therefore, surveillance against measles, particularly in subjects at risk, should be extended. Furthermore, the early diagnosis of the disease as well as promoting the complete vaccination of all children are crucial.