Rubella outbreak in the Netherlands, 2004-2005: high burden of congenital infection and spread to Canada

Abstract

Background: In The Netherlands and Canada the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine coverage is high. In 2004 a rubella outbreak started in the Netherlands in a population subgroup with low coverage, with subsequent spread to Canada.

Methods: We examined data on rubella cases in the Netherlands and Canada reported between September 2004 and July 2005. In The Netherlands we established enhanced surveillance for congenital rubella while in Canada we carried out a cohort study to estimate vaccine effectiveness.

Results: In The Netherlands and Canada, 387 and 309 rubella cases were reported, respectively. Of these, 97% were in unvaccinated individuals of orthodox protestant denomination. Reported consequences of rubella in pregnancy were 2 fetal deaths and 14 infants with congenital infection. Of the latter, 11 had clinical defects including deafness in all but eye defects in none. The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 99.3% (95% CI: 95.3%-99.9%). Closely related strains of rubella virus genotype 1G were found in Dutch and Canadian cases.

Conclusions: A large rubella outbreak occurred in The Netherlands with spread to Canada in a population subgroup with religious objections to vaccination. Its major public health importance was due to the high burden of congenital disease, international spread and implications for measles and rubella surveillance and elimination. Congenital deafness occurred more frequently and eye defects less frequently than expected. The estimated rubella vaccine effectiveness was very high. Our results demonstrate the risks associated with heterogeneity in rubella vaccine coverage. High rubella vaccine coverage in all population subgroups and sensitive surveillance are crucial for elimination of rubella and CRS.