Docs Launch Campaign Amid Rising Measles Cases in Italy

Rome: The Italian Pediatric Society (SIP) said on Tuesday that it has launched a campaign against the spread of fake information and to boost uptake of a vaccine that protects against measles after a rise in cases of the potentially deadly disease. “Vaccination is the only means to stop the spread of measles,” said the president of SIP, Rino Agostiniani.

According to Ansa News Agency, SIP explained that it has drafted a handbook warning parents and carers against false theories claiming that correct nutrition and vitamin A can protect children from infection, among others. The campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of vaccination in combating measles.

The latest data provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals that between February 2024 and January 2025, a total of 32,265 measles cases were recorded in the European Union. Italy was among the worst-affected countries, with 1,097 cases, second only to Romania, which recorded 27,568 cases.

A reported 86% of infections in Italy concerned patients who had not been vaccinated. Additionally, Italy’s Higher Health Institute has recorded 127 measles infections from January 1 to February 28 this year, with over 90% of cases concerning unvaccinated people and 7% involving patients who had only received one dose.