Pertussis outbreak in neonates and young infants across Italy, January to May 2024: implications for vaccination strategies
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Marco Poeta1,2, Cristina Moracas2,3, Chiara Albano4
1Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
Insights
Italy faces a pertussis outbreak, with infants most at risk. Vaccination during pregnancy and early infant immunization are crucial to prevent severe illness and deaths from Bordetella pertussis.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Italy has experienced a significant pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak since January 2024.
- The outbreak disproportionately affects neonates and unvaccinated infants, who are most vulnerable to severe complications and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the current pertussis outbreak in Italy.
- To emphasize the risks to vulnerable infant populations.
- To underscore the importance of public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance data from 11 major pediatric centers in Italy.
- Analysis of hospitalizations and mortality rates related to pertussis.
- Assessment of Bordetella pertussis circulation and vaccination adherence.
Main Results:
- As of May 10, 108 hospitalizations and three deaths were reported.
- Increased circulation of Bordetella pertussis has been observed.
- Non-adherence to maternal and infant immunization recommendations contributes to the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Urgent public health interventions are necessary to control the pertussis outbreak.
- Maternal immunization programs are critical for protecting newborns.
- Timely infant vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis are essential to reduce pertussis burden and prevent fatalities.
Abstract:
Since January 2024, Italy experiences a pertussis outbreak, primarily affecting neonates and unvaccinated infants at high risk of severe complications and mortality; 11 major paediatric centres noted 108 hospitalisations and three deaths by 10 May. The outbreak reflects increased circulation of Bordetella pertussis and non-adherence to immunisation recommendations during pregnancy. Public health interventions, including maternal immunisation, vaccination of infants as early as possible and post-exposure prophylaxis, are critical for reducing the burden of pertussis and preventing further mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....