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.
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.
According to the latest data provided by the European Centre for
Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 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 (27,568).
A reported 86% of infections concerned patients who had not been
vaccinated.
In addition, 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% patients
who had only received one dose.
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