New horizons in the control of rubella and prevention of congenital rubella syndrome in the Americas

Abstract

Data from the regional measles surveillance system have documented widespread rubella virus circulation in many different countries in the Americas. In response to the ongoing endemic incidence of the disease and the potential for a major rubella epidemics in the region, the Pan American Health Organization Technical Advisory Group on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommended the implementation of a regional initiative to strengthen rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) preventive efforts in 1997. This article summarizes and highlights the progress toward accelerated rubella control and CRS prevention in the English-speaking Caribbean and in Chile, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Useful knowledge is being generated for the adaptation of similar rubella strategies elsewhere. The findings also document the feasibility of implementing the recommended strategies and their rapid impact on disease burden.