Control of Rubella Infection and Elimination of Congenital Rubella Syndrome by Surveillance and Vaccination

Abstract

Of the vaccine preventable child hood diseases, diphtheria, measles, tetanus, polio are controlled by effective vaccination program. The same is not true about rubella virus. Rubella virus is known to cause mild illness, but the virus when infects women in early pregnancy or just before conception can lead to the development of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in fetus or newborn. In America and European region, the CRS is virtually eliminated by effective surveillance and vaccination programs. Rubella infection and CRS cases are high in number in most of the countries of South East Asia region and Africa. In the absence of effective surveillance of rubella cases and vaccination against rubella, the CRS cases still persists.  Since humans are the only reservoirs and availability of effective, safe vaccine, the elimination of CRS is attainable as achieved by the countries in the America region and European region due to routine surveillance and vaccination campaign. The control strategy should include massive vaccination of girls of child bearing age and also inclusion in the immunization schedule. Effective control of Measles by vaccination should be an eye opener to control rubella infection and therefore CRS in all other regions of the globe.