Assessment of Economic Burden of Concurrent Measles and Rubella Outbreaks, Romania, 2011–2012

• DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.180339
• Publication Date: 2019-04-23T17:10:43Z
• Authors: Joseph Njau; Denisa Janta; Aurora Stanescu; Sarah S. Pallas; Adriana Pistol; Nino Khetsuriani; Susan Reef; Daniel Ciurea; Cassandra Butu; Aaron S. Wallace; Laura Zimmerman
• Keywords: Congenital rubella syndrome; Economic cost; Rubella vaccine

Abstract We estimated the economic impact of concurrent measles and rubella outbreaks in Romania during 2011–2012. collected costs from surveys 428 case-patients caretakers, government records, health staff interviews. then financial opportunity costs. During study period, 12,427 cases 24,627 were recorded; 27 infants had congenital syndrome (CRS). The cost was US $9.9 million. Cost per case $439 for measles, $132 rubella, $44,051 CRS. Up to 36% households needed borrow money pay illness treatment. Approximately 17% patients continued work while ill their treatment expenses. Our key findings that incurred a high burden compared with incomes, sector bore most costs, CRS substantial relevant include outbreak studies.