Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP) Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology
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Date
2014-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Introduction; Rubella is an acute contagious infection caused by the Rubella virus. It presents
fever with maculopapular rash similar to Measles. Rubella is usually mild in children. When
woman contracts rubella early in pregnancy, serious consequences may occur including birth
defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Little is known about rubella
epidemiology and the incidence of CRS in Africa. At present Rubella vaccine is not included in
any vaccination program in Ethiopia. In November 2013, Miyo Woreda of Borena zone, Oromia
- Ethiopia reported suspected Rubella cases and we investigated to confirm the etiology, identify
potential risk factors and suggest control measures.
Methods: We defined a confirmed Rubella case as an illness characterized by acute onset of
generalized maculopapular rash, fever, arthralgia, arthritis, lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis with
positive serologic test for rubella immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody in the blood specimen. We
collected ten blood samples for laboratory confirmation. We conducted matched case control
study to identify possible risk factors.
Result: We identified 183 suspected Rubella cases with zero death . The median age of the case
was 6 years. The overall attack rate of this outbreak was 29 per 100,000 populations. We
collected ten blood samples with 100% positivity rate for Rubella IgM antibodies. Travelling
history to outbreak area (OR= 26.29, 95% CI= 9.15 -77.87), having contact with a person who
had a recent illness consistent with Rubella (OR: 34.0, 95% CI: 11.44-104.90), living in
unventilated house (OR=14.6: 5.59-38.14) were found to be significantly associated with rubella
infection.
Conclusion; Recent travel to an areas where cases of Rubella was reported, attending a school
where the cases present and the housing condition with poor ventilation were significantly
associated with rubella outbreak.
Key Words: Rubella, Rubella outbreak, CRS
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Keywords
Rubella, Rubella outbreak, CRS