Progress in the elimination of measles and congenital rubella in Central Italy

Tuesday, 8th of December 2015

Progress in the elimination of measles and congenital rubella in Central Italy.

Bechini A¹ Levi M Boccalini S Tiscione E Panatto D Amicizia D Bonanni P.

 

Abstract

Despite the launch of a WHO European Region strategic plan 2005-2010 for eliminating measles and rubella and preventing congenital rubella (CR) infection measles and rubella are still circulating in Europe. Increased transmission and outbreaks of measles in Europe were still observed in 2011. In Italy the objectives of the National Plan (2003-2007) for measles elimination have not yet been achieved. The goal of measles elimination and incidence reduction of CR cases has been postponed to 2015 by the Italian Ministry of Health through the implementation of the new National Plan 2010-2015 which will require (1) the achievement of more than 95% coverage with 1 dose and two doses of measles containing vaccine (MCV) respectively within 24 months and within 12 years of age; (2) supplementary vaccination activities aimed at susceptible populations including adolescents young adults and those at risk (health care and educational workers military groups "hard to reach" like nomads); and in addition (3) reduction to less than 5% in the proportion of susceptible women of childbearing age (especially immigrant women). Experiences at regional level like in Tuscany have shown promising results in order to create an integrated surveillance system between regional and local health authorities university and laboratory and in the future to validate elimination. Moreover the evaluation of all preventive activities performed in Tuscany during the last decade immunization coverage data sero-epidemiological population profile and incidence of measles and rubella cases has highlighted critical points which should be improved and good practices already implemented which should be maintained in the future in order to reach the new goals.

Best read on url http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891724/

A.I.M