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Congenital rubella syndrome epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dima Nimri, M.D. [2]

Overview

The exact incidence of congenital rubella syndrome is hard to estimate because in many parts of the developing world, rubella has been eliminated. However, very few cases are still reported in the U.S and they are believed to be imported cases. In addition, rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome are still a challenge in the developing world, with most cases occurring in Africa and Southeast Asia.[1][2] In countries without rubella immunization, the incidence is estimated to range between 60-220 per 100,000 cases.[3]

Epidemiology and Demographics

The exact incidence of congenital rubella syndrome is hard to estimate because in many parts of the developing world, rubella has been eliminated. However, very few cases are still reported in the U.S and they are believed to be imported cases. In addition, rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome are still a challenge in the developing world, with most cases occurring in Africa and Southeast Asia.[1][2]

Incidence in Developed Countries

  • The introduction of rubella vaccines in 1969 led to the elimination of the rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome in many parts of the world.
  • In the U.S, rubella has been eliminated. Between the years 2004 and 2012, there have been 6 reported cases of congenital rubella syndrome in the U.S. However, these cases are thought to be imported or of unknown origin.
  • In France, the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome in 2011 was estimated at 1.01 per 100,000 live births.

Incidence Worldwide

  • The WHO is implementing strategies to eradicate rubella worldwide by the year 2020. This is still a challenge in many parts of the world, most notably Southeast Asia and Africa, due to the relative high cost and availability of the vaccine.
  • Worldwide in 2008, the number of cases of congenital rubella syndrome exceeded 110,000, with 75% of cases occurring in Southeast Asia and Africa.
  • In countries without rubella immunization, the incidence is estimated to range between 60-220 per 100,000 cases.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Bouthry E, Picone O, Hamdi G, Grangeot-Keros L, Ayoubi JM, Vauloup-Fellous C (2014). “Rubella and pregnancy: diagnosis, management and outcomes”. Prenat. Diagn. 34 (13): 1246–53. doi:10.1002/pd.4467. PMID 25066688.
  2. 2.0 2.1 “Three cases of congenital rubella syndrome in the postelimination era–Maryland, Alabama, and Illinois, 2012”. MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 62 (12): 226–9. 2013. PMID 23535689.
  3. 3.0 3.1 WHO (2012). “Surveillance Guidelines for Measles, Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the WHO European Region”. PMID 23762964.


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