MEASLES EPIDEMIC IN CALABRIA

Key words: Measles, Immunisation, Complications

In spite of early warnings from epidemics in nearby geographical areas (Campania and Puglia), the coverage for measles vaccination in Calabria remained unacceptably low (25.5% although coverage rates are quite variable across the region). An epidemic of measles (250 cases per 100.000 in the Cosenza province) has caused over the last year cases 302 paediatric cases referred to the emergency department and 20 hospital admissions for complicated measles. Out of these, there were 6 encephalitis and 10 pneumonias. 4 cases occurred in infants under 6 months. Hospital paediatricians’ attempted to raise awareness among public health officers, families and family doctors about the unacceptable health and financial consequences of low immunisation rates but the response has not been adequate so far.