Spotlight on measles in Italy: why outbreaks of a vaccine-preventable infection continue in the 21st century

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015 Mar;13(3):355-62. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1003808. Epub 2015 Jan 22.

Abstract

Measles is a serious infectious disease that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Remarkable progress has been made through measles vaccination in reducing the number of people dying from measles. In the last years, concerns about the safety of vaccines have led to decline in immunization coverage rates and new outbreaks of measles in many European countries, including Italy. We believe that it is important to reinforce the message that measles vaccine is safe and highly effective through appropriate information campaigns and public awareness.

Keywords: MMR vaccine; autism; children; immunization; measles; outbreak; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / etiology
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / prevention & control*
  • Measles virus / immunology*
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / immunology*
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine