Investigation of a rubella outbreak in Kyrgyzstan in 2001: implications for an integrated approach to measles elimination and prevention of congenital rubella syndrome
Dayan, G.H.; Zimmerman, L.; Shteinke, L.; Kasymbekova, K.; Uzicanin, A.; Strebel, P.; Reef, S.
Journal of Infectious Diseases 187 Suppl. 1: S235-S240
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1899 PMID: 12721919 DOI: 10.1086/368037Document Number: 249381
In 1999, the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan adopted the goal of measles elimination. This opportunity was used to launch a rubella and congenital rubella syndrome prevention program. Between January and August 2001, a rubella outbreak occurred in Bishkek City and Chui Oblast. Rubella surveillance data were reviewed for Kyrgyzstan (1981-2000) and rubella case-patient and laboratory information from Bishkek City and Chui Oblast during the outbreak. The data suggest that rubella is endemic in Kyrgyzstan with periodic epidemics every 3-5 years. From January to August 2001, 1936 rubella case-patients were reported from Bishkek City and Chui Oblast; 242 were tested and 176 (73%) were laboratory confirmed. Most case-patients were 3-14 years old. However, the incidence rate per 100,000 among persons aged 15-35 years increased >/=40-fold from 1 in 2000 to 41 in 2001. These findings highlight the importance of introducing rubella-containing vaccine in conjunction with measles elimination activities.