Progress Toward Rubella Elimination — World Health Organization European Region, 2005–2019

• DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7023a1
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10T15:13:51Z
• Authors: Patrick O’Connor; Dragon Yankovic; Laura Zimmerman; Myriam Ben Mamou; Susan Reef
• Keywords: Congenital rubella syndrome; Rubella vaccine; European region; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Rubella virus

In 2005, the Regional Committee of World Health Organization (WHO) European Region (EUR) passed a resolution calling for regional elimination measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) (1). 2010, all 53 countries in EUR* reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating CRS (2); this goal was included Vaccine Action Plan 2015-2020 (3,4). Rubella, which typically manifests as mild febrile rash illness, is leading vaccine-preventable cause birth defects. Rubella infection during pregnancy can result miscarriage, fetal death, or constellation malformations known CRS, usually includes one more visual, auditory, cardiac defects (5). The WHO-recommended measles strategies EUR include 1) achieving maintaining ≥95% coverage with 2 doses measles- rubella-containing vaccine (MRCV) through routine immunization services; 2) providing vaccination opportunities, including supplementary activities (SIAs), populations susceptible rubella; 3) strengthening surveillance by conducting case investigations confirming suspected cases outbreaks laboratory results; 4) improving availability use evidence clearly communicate benefits risks preventing these diseases health professionals public (6). This report updates previous describes progress toward 2005-2019 (7). 2000, estimated first dose (RCV1) 60%, 621,039 were reported (incidence = 716.9 per 1 million population). During 2005-2019, RCV1 93%-95%, 2019, 31 (58%) achieved RCV1. approximately 38 persons received an RCV SIAs 20 (37%) countries. incidence declined >99%, from 234.9 population (206,359 cases) 2005 0.67 (620 2019. 50%, 16 eight For be maintained, measures are needed strengthen programs ensuring high every district each country, offering adults, high-quality rapid detection confirmation, effective outbreak preparedness response.