Epidemiology of rubella in Mexico
José, M.V.; Olvera, J.; Serrano, O.
Salud Publica de Mexico 34(3): 318-327
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-3634 PMID: 1615349 Document Number: 342702
The authors analyse the epidemiology of rubella in Mexico in 1983-90 and estimate the transmission parameters, using data collected by the National Directorate of Epidemiology. There is no surveillance of congenital rubella in the country and it is assumed that it is rare because of the small proportion of susceptible women of reproductive age -in 1987-88 some 80% of women were seropositive (69.2-77% among the 10-19-year olds), although in 12 states lower rates were reported (65.8% in Nuevo Leon). In 1990 the incidence of rubella was twice as high as in any previous year since 1983, with more than 97 000 cases in women in 1989-90 (45 500 in 5-14-year olds and 20 350 in 15-44-year olds; the greatest incidences were in Nuevo Leon with 18 400 cases, the Distrito Federal with 6300 cases, Veracruz with 5900 cases and Mexico State 5000 cases). The implication is that a major outbreak of congenital rubella is to be expected.The 15-44-years age group has been particularly affected with the intrinsic reproductive rate (defined as the average number of secondary infections generated by one individual among the susceptible population) increasing in 1983-90 against the general overall trend (from 4.75% in 1983 to 3.55% in 1990). After examining herd immunity and the likely effect of vaccination programmes, the authors conclude that the best strategy for the prevention of congenital rubella in Mexico is to continue with a no-vaccination policy but to improve surveillance of congenital rubella in clinics and national as well as private hospitals and to review this policy regularly.E. Palazon Checa/D.W. FitzSimons.