Rubella outbreak in Japan

Abstract

Journal of Paediatrics and Child HealthVolume 49, Issue 10 p. 872-872 Heads UpFree Access Rubella outbreak in Japan First published: 17 October 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.12381_4AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Japan, similarly to Australia, initially targeted schoolgirls for rubella vaccination (in 1976) and then (in 1989) introduced measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine for all children aged 1–6 years. However, this MMR vaccine was withdrawn in 1993 after reports of mumps meningitis, and although rubella-containing vaccine was reintroduced, immunisation levels were suboptimal and measles outbreaks occurred. In 2012 and 2013, Japan has had a rubella outbreak with over 7000 cases reported, mostly unimmunised adult males (see Fig. 1), and with 10 cases of congenital rubella syndrome.1 Rubella used to spread mainly among school-aged children. However, the Japanese data show that adults can also be a major source of infection. It is important to ensure high levels of rubella immunity in males and females of all ages to prevent exposure of pregnant women resulting in congenital rubella syndrome. Figure 1Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Rubella rash with post-auricular lymph node. Reference 1 MMWR. Morb. Mortal. Wkly Rep. 2013; 62: 457– 462. PubMedGoogle Scholar Reviewer: David Isaacs, david.isaacs@health.nsw.gov.au Volume49, Issue10October 2013Pages 872-872 FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation