The Experts below are selected from a list of 2562 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Susan E Reef - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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hospital based surveillance of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in indonesia
2017Co-Authors: Elisabeth Siti Herini, Agung Triono, Asal Wahyuni Erlin Mulyadi, Niprida Mardin, Yati Soenarto, Susan E ReefAbstract:Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) has serious consequences, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe birth defects in infants, resulting from Rubella virus infection during pregnancy. However, Rubella vaccine has not yet been implemented in Indonesia. This study aimed (1) to estimate the incidence of CRS in Indonesia, (2) describe the clinical features of CRS at our referral hospital, and (3) pilot a CRS surveillance system to be extended to other hospitals. We conducted a 4-month prospective surveillance study of infants aged <1 year with suspected CRS in 2013 at an Indonesian hospital. Infants with suspected CRS were examined for Rubella-specific IgM antibody or Rubella IgG antibody levels. Of 47 suspected cases of CRS, 11/47 (23.4%), 9/47 (19.1%), and 27/47 (57.5%) were diagnosed as laboratory-confirmed, clinically compatible, and discarded CRS, respectively. The most common defects among laboratory-confirmed CRS cases were hearing impairment (100%), Congenital cataracts (72.7%), microcephaly (72.7%), and Congenital heart defects (45.5%). Conclusion: The number of laboratory-confirmed CRS cases among Indonesian infants is high. Furthermore, hearing impairment is the most common clinical feature of CRS in infants. Our findings indicate the importance of implementation of Rubella vaccine in Indonesia. Conducting hospital-based surveillance of CRS in other hospitals in Indonesia may be appropriate.
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global progress toward Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome control and elimination 2000 2014
2015Co-Authors: Gavin B Grant, Susan E Reef, Marta Gacicdobo, Alya Dabbagh, Peter M StrebelAbstract:Rubella virus usually causes a mild fever and rash in children and adults. However, infection during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or a constellation of Congenital malformations known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated guidance on the preferred strategy for introduction of Rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) into national routine immunization schedules, including an initial vaccination campaign usually targeting children aged 9 months-15 years . The Global Vaccine Action Plan endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2012 and the Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan (2012-2020) published by Measles and Rubella Initiative partners in 2012 both include goals to eliminate Rubella and CRS in at least two WHO regions by 2015, and at least five WHO regions by 2020 (2,3). This report updates a previous report and summarizes global progress toward Rubella and CRS control and elimination during 2000-2014. As of December 2014, RCV had been introduced in 140 (72%) countries, an increase from 99 (51%) countries in 2000 (for this report, WHO member states are referred to as countries). Reported Rubella cases declined 95%, from 670,894 cases in 102 countries in 2000 to 33,068 cases in 162 countries in 2014, although reporting is inconsistent. To achieve the 2020 Global Vaccine Action Plan Rubella and CRS elimination goals, RCV introduction needs to continue as country criteria indicating readiness are met, and Rubella and CRS surveillance need to be strengthened to ensure that progress toward elimination can be measured.
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progress toward control of Rubella and prevention of Congenital Rubella Syndrome worldwide 2009
2011Co-Authors: Susan E Reef, Marta Gacicdobo, Peter M Strebel, Alya Dabbagh, Stephen L CochiAbstract:Rubella, usually a mild rash illness in children and adults, can cause serious consequences when a pregnant woman is infected, particularly in early pregnancy. These serious consequences include miscarriage, fetal death or an infant born with birth defects (i.e., Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)). The primary purpose for Rubella vaccination is the prevention of Congenital Rubella infection including CRS. Since 1969, several Rubella virus vaccines have been licensed for use; however, until the 1990s, use of Rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) was limited primarily to developed countries. In 1996, it was estimated that 110,000 infants with CRS were born annually in developing countries. In 2000, the first World Health Organization Rubella vaccine position paper was published to guide introduction of RCV in national childhood immunization schedules. From 1996 to 2009, the number of countries that introduced RCV into their national routine childhood immunization programs increased by 57% from 83 countries in 1996 to 130 countries in 2009. In addition, three of the six WHO regions established Rubella control and CRS prevention goals: Region of the Americas and Europe Rubella elimination by 2010 and 2015, respectively, and Western Pacific Region-accelerated Rubella control and CRS prevention by 2015. Also, during this time period, the number of Rubella cases reported decreased from 670,894 in 2000 to 121,344 in 2009. Rubella control and prevention of CRS can be accelerated by integrating with current global measles mortality reduction and regional elimination activities.
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guidelines for the documentation and verification of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in the region of the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Susan E Reef, Ana Morice, Gina Tambini, Jon Kim Andrus, Cuauthemoc Ruiz Matus, Socorro GrossgalianoAbstract:In the region of the Americas, goals for the elimination of endemic measles and Rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by the year 2000 and 2010, respectively were established. The successful implementation of measles elimination strategies in the region of the Americas resulted in the interruption of endemic measles transmission in 2002 and tremendous progress toward Rubella and CRS elimination. In October 2007, the 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference adopted Resolution CSP27.R2 urging member states to begin documenting and verifying the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses in the Americas. To ensure a standardized approach for the process of documentation and verification, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) developed a regional plan of action to guide countries and their national commissions as they prepare and consolidate evidence of the interruption of endemic measles and Rubella transmission. This article summarizes the plan of action including the essential criteria and components of the guidelines.
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evidence used to support the achievement and maintenance of elimination of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the united states
2011Co-Authors: Susan E Reef, Susan B Redd, Emily Abernathy, Preeta K Kutty, Joseph P IcenogleAbstract:On 29 October 2004, an expert panel was convened to review the status of elimination of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in the United States. Primarily based on 5 types of information presented--epidemiology of reported cases, molecular epidemiology, seroprevalence, vaccine coverage, and adequacy of surveillance--the panel unanimously agreed that Rubella virus is no longer endemic in the United States. Since 2004, new data continue to support the conclusion that elimination has been achieved and maintained. In documenting elimination in the United States, each of the 5 types of data provided evidence for elimination and collectively provided much stronger evidence than any one type could individually. As countries document the elimination of Rubella and CRS, many sources and types of data will likely be necessary. Rigorous data evaluation must be conducted to look for inconsistencies among the available data. To maintain elimination, countries should maintain high vaccine coverage, adequate surveillance, and rapid response to outbreaks.
Carlos Castillosolorzano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Congenital Rubella Syndrome a matter of concern
2015Co-Authors: Efren Martinezquintana, Carlos Castillosolorzano, Nuria Torner, Fayna RodriguezgonzalezAbstract:Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), an important cause of severe birth defects, remains a public health problem in a significant number of countries. Therefore, global health experts encourage use of Rubella vaccination, with the primary aim of preventing CRS. While large-scale Rubella vaccination during the last decade has drastically reduced or eliminated both the virus and CRS in Europe and the Americas, many countries in Africa, South-East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific have not yet incorporated any type of Rubella-containing vaccine into their immunization schedule. As a result, through travel and migration, Rubella has been imported into countries that had successfully eliminated the virus, leading to outbreaks and the reestablishment of endemic transmission. The objective of this study was to identify the key factors required for CRS elimination (prevalence reduction, vaccination strategies, and surveillance methods) by reviewing publications in PubMed on Rubella and CRS (systematic reviews, country experiences, and position papers from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other intergovernmental organizations). Based on the results of the review, to eliminate Rubella and CRS in endemic areas and reduce re-emergence in previously disease-free areas, all countries should carry out two types of mass Rubella vaccination campaigns: 1) one single mass national immunization campaign targeting all men and women 5-39+ years old (with the upper age limit depending on the year in which the Rubella-containing vaccine was introduced and the epidemiology of Rubella in the country) and 2) incorporation of an Rubella-containing vaccine in routine childhood immunization programs, including regular vaccination campaigns for 12-month-olds and measles follow-up campaigns. In addition to mass Rubella immunization campaigns and routine childhood vaccination programs, the following measures should be taken to help fight Rubella and CRS: 1) surveillance of the number of susceptible women of childbearing age, and the emergence of imported cases; 2) coverage of susceptible populations with "second-chance" ("catch-up") campaigns (vaccination of older children and adults who may have missed earlier immunization programs); 3) rapid response to outbreaks; 4) strengthening of CRS surveillance; 5) involvement of the private sector in awareness and vaccination campaigns; and 6) reduction of the number of false-positive laboratory test results.
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elimination of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Christina Marsigli, Pamela Bravoalcantara, Brendan Flannery, Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, Gina Tambini, Socorro Grossgaliano, Jon Kim AndrusAbstract:In 2003, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) adopted a resolution calling for Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) elimination in the Americas by the year 2010. To accomplish this goal, PAHO advanced a Rubella and CRS elimination strategy including introduction of Rubella-containing vaccines into routine vaccination programs accompanied by high immunization coverage, interruption of Rubella transmission through mass vaccination of adolescents and adults, and strengthened surveillance for Rubella and CRS. The Rubella elimination strategies were aligned with the successful measles elimination strategies. By the end of 2009, all countries routinely vaccinated children against Rubella, an estimated 450 million people had been vaccinated against measles and Rubella in supplementary immunization activities, and Rubella transmission had been interrupted. This article describes how the region eliminated Rubella and CRS.
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approach to verify the status of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in costa rica
2011Co-Authors: Ana Morice, Maria L Avilaaguero, Alejandra Soriano, Daniel Salasperaza, Carlos CastillosolorzanoAbstract:Costa Rica introduced the measles-mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1986. The Ministry of Health adopted the goal of eliminating endemic measles in 1991 by achieving and maintaining high vaccine coverage through routine delivery, mass campaigns and outreach activities, and the strengthening of expanded program on immunization (EPI) surveillance. Measles and Rubella immunization strategies shifted susceptibility to older age groups, leading to the introduction of MMR2 in 1992, administered at age 7 years. In 2000, the goal of accelerated Rubella control and Congenital Rubella Syndrome prevention was established, and a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting men and women aged 15-39 was implemented to immunize the population of reproductive age. The last endemic case of measles was confirmed in 1999, and at the end of 2001 Costa Rica reported the last endemic cases of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome. Imported cases of measles and Rubella were detected in 2003 and 2005, with no secondary cases detected. In 2008, Costa Rica established a National Committee of Experts, supported by technical teams, to collect the evidence required to verify the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses. The evidence includes information on trends and epidemiologic analysis, molecular epidemiology, population immunity, the quality of surveillance, and the sustainability of the EPI program.
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guidelines for the documentation and verification of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in the region of the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Susan E Reef, Ana Morice, Gina Tambini, Jon Kim Andrus, Cuauthemoc Ruiz Matus, Socorro GrossgalianoAbstract:In the region of the Americas, goals for the elimination of endemic measles and Rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by the year 2000 and 2010, respectively were established. The successful implementation of measles elimination strategies in the region of the Americas resulted in the interruption of endemic measles transmission in 2002 and tremendous progress toward Rubella and CRS elimination. In October 2007, the 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference adopted Resolution CSP27.R2 urging member states to begin documenting and verifying the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses in the Americas. To ensure a standardized approach for the process of documentation and verification, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) developed a regional plan of action to guide countries and their national commissions as they prepare and consolidate evidence of the interruption of endemic measles and Rubella transmission. This article summarizes the plan of action including the essential criteria and components of the guidelines.
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estimating the burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in costa rica 1996 2001
2007Co-Authors: Gabriela Jimenez, Susan E Reef, Maria L Avilaaguero, Ana Morice, Hazel Gutierrez, Alejandra Soriano, Xiomara Badilla, Carlos CastillosolorzanoAbstract:Background:The epidemiology of Rubella in Costa Rica changed during recent decades, shifting the susceptible groups to the reproductive age. This study estimates the burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) from 1996 to 2001 in this country.Methods:Three methods to calculate CRS incidence were us
Ana Morice - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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approach to verify the status of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in costa rica
2011Co-Authors: Ana Morice, Maria L Avilaaguero, Alejandra Soriano, Daniel Salasperaza, Carlos CastillosolorzanoAbstract:Costa Rica introduced the measles-mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1986. The Ministry of Health adopted the goal of eliminating endemic measles in 1991 by achieving and maintaining high vaccine coverage through routine delivery, mass campaigns and outreach activities, and the strengthening of expanded program on immunization (EPI) surveillance. Measles and Rubella immunization strategies shifted susceptibility to older age groups, leading to the introduction of MMR2 in 1992, administered at age 7 years. In 2000, the goal of accelerated Rubella control and Congenital Rubella Syndrome prevention was established, and a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting men and women aged 15-39 was implemented to immunize the population of reproductive age. The last endemic case of measles was confirmed in 1999, and at the end of 2001 Costa Rica reported the last endemic cases of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome. Imported cases of measles and Rubella were detected in 2003 and 2005, with no secondary cases detected. In 2008, Costa Rica established a National Committee of Experts, supported by technical teams, to collect the evidence required to verify the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses. The evidence includes information on trends and epidemiologic analysis, molecular epidemiology, population immunity, the quality of surveillance, and the sustainability of the EPI program.
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guidelines for the documentation and verification of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in the region of the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Susan E Reef, Ana Morice, Gina Tambini, Jon Kim Andrus, Cuauthemoc Ruiz Matus, Socorro GrossgalianoAbstract:In the region of the Americas, goals for the elimination of endemic measles and Rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by the year 2000 and 2010, respectively were established. The successful implementation of measles elimination strategies in the region of the Americas resulted in the interruption of endemic measles transmission in 2002 and tremendous progress toward Rubella and CRS elimination. In October 2007, the 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference adopted Resolution CSP27.R2 urging member states to begin documenting and verifying the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses in the Americas. To ensure a standardized approach for the process of documentation and verification, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) developed a regional plan of action to guide countries and their national commissions as they prepare and consolidate evidence of the interruption of endemic measles and Rubella transmission. This article summarizes the plan of action including the essential criteria and components of the guidelines.
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Congenital Rubella Syndrome progress and future challenges
2009Co-Authors: Ana Morice, Rolando Ulloagutierrez, Maria L AvilaagueroAbstract:Since 1941, when Gregg first described the triad of deafness, cataracts and cardiac disease as the classical clinical manifestations of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), strong efforts have been implemented around the world to achieve effective preventive strategies. In Costa Rica, vaccination against Rubella started in 1972 and in 1986, the combined measles, mumps and Rubella vaccine was introduced in the national schedule among 1-year-old children. This vaccination strategy shifted the susceptibility to other groups at child-bearing age. To protect this age group, in 2001 Costa Rica implemented a successful national immunization campaign targeting both men and women aged 15-39 years, followed by postpartum vaccination of women who were pregnant when the campaign was implemented. The epidemiological surveillance system of Rubella and CRS cases was strengthened and it was integrated with the investigation and notification system of febrile eruptive diseases. We describe the Costa Rican experience, which has led to similar actions in other countries in Latin America. Challenges and strategies in the elimination of Rubella and CRS are also discussed.
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estimating the burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in costa rica 1996 2001
2007Co-Authors: Gabriela Jimenez, Susan E Reef, Maria L Avilaaguero, Ana Morice, Hazel Gutierrez, Alejandra Soriano, Xiomara Badilla, Carlos CastillosolorzanoAbstract:Background:The epidemiology of Rubella in Costa Rica changed during recent decades, shifting the susceptible groups to the reproductive age. This study estimates the burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) from 1996 to 2001 in this country.Methods:Three methods to calculate CRS incidence were us
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accelerated Rubella control and Congenital Rubella Syndrome prevention strengthen measles eradication the costa rican experience
2003Co-Authors: Ana Morice, Susan E Reef, Xiomara Badilla, Xinia Carvajal, Mario Leon, Vicenta Machado, Fabio Lievano, Ariel Depetris, Carlos CastillosolorzanoAbstract:In 2000, Costa Rica set a goal for accelerated Rubella control and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) prevention in conjunction with its established measles eradication goal. To achieve this goal, a National Plan of Action for the integration of a measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination strategy was implemented. The components of the national plan included conducting a national vaccination campaign with a single dose of MR vaccine for men and women aged 15-39 years, establishing routine postpartum MR vaccination of all previously unvaccinated women, maintaining high coverage among children with two doses of measles-mumps-Rubella vaccine, strengthening the integrated measles and Rubella surveillance system, and developing a CRS surveillance system. This report summarizes the results of a successful adult campaign. Targeting MR vaccination appropriately and using the opportunity to strengthen surveillance for rash illness has benefits beyond accelerated Rubella control and CRS prevention, including strengthening of the measles eradication program.
Gregory S Wallace - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Congenital Rubella Syndrome in child of woman without known risk factors new jersey usa
2014Co-Authors: Samantha I Pitts, Gregory S Wallace, Barbara Montana, Elizabeth F Handschur, Debrah Meislich, Alethia C Sampson, Suzanne Canuso, Jennifer Horner, Albert E Barskey, Emily S AbernathyAbstract:We report a case of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in a child born to a vaccinated New Jersey woman who had not traveled internationally. Although Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome have been eliminated from the United States, clinicians should remain vigilant and immediately notify public health authorities when either is suspected.
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prevention of measles Rubella Congenital Rubella Syndrome and mumps 2013 summary recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices acip
2013Co-Authors: Huong Q Mclean, Amy Parker Fiebelkorn, Jonathan L Temte, Gregory S WallaceAbstract:This report is a compendium of all current recommendations for the prevention of measles, Rubella, Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), and mumps. The report presents the recent revisions adopted by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on October 24, 2012, and also summarizes all existing ACIP recommendations that have been published previously during 1998-2011 (CDC. Measles, mumps, and Rubella--vaccine use and strategies for elimination of measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome and control of mumps: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 1998;47[No. RR-8]; CDC. Revised ACIP recommendation for avoiding pregnancy after receiving a Rubellacontaining vaccine. MMWR 2001;50:1117; CDC. Updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP] for the control and elimination of mumps. MMWR 2006;55:629-30; and, CDC. Immunization of healthcare personnel: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2011;60[No. RR-7]). Currently, ACIP recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine routinely for children with the first dose administered at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose administered at age 4 through 6 years before school entry. Two doses are recommended for adults at high risk for exposure and transmission (e.g., students attending colleges or other post-high school educational institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers) and 1 dose for other adults aged ≥18 years. For prevention of Rubella, 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥12 months. At the October 24, 2012 meeting, ACIP adopted the following revisions, which are published here for the first time. These included: • For acceptable evidence of immunity, removing documentation of physician diagnosed disease as an acceptable criterion for evidence of immunity for measles and mumps, and including laboratory confirmation of disease as a criterion for acceptable evidence of immunity for measles, Rubella, and mumps. • For persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, expanding recommendations for vaccination to all persons aged ≥12 months with HIV infection who do not have evidence of current severe immunosuppression; recommending revaccination of persons with perinatal HIV infection who were vaccinated before establishment of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) with 2 appropriately spaced doses of MMR vaccine once effective ART has been established; and changing the recommended timing of the 2 doses of MMR vaccine for HIV-infected persons to age 12 through 15 months and 4 through 6 years. • For measles postexposure prophylaxis, expanding recommendations for use of immune globulin administered intramuscularly (IGIM) to include infants aged birth to 6 months exposed to measles; increasing the recommended dose of IGIM for immunocompetent persons; and recommending use of immune globulin administered intravenously (IGIV) for severely immunocompromised persons and pregnant women without evidence of measles immunity who are exposed to measles. As a compendium of all current recommendations for the prevention of measles, Rubella, Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), and mumps, the information in this report is intended for use by clinicians as baseline guidance for scheduling of vaccinations for these conditions and considerations regarding vaccination of special populations. ACIP recommendations are reviewed periodically and are revised as indicated when new information becomes available.
Jon Kim Andrus - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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elimination of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Christina Marsigli, Pamela Bravoalcantara, Brendan Flannery, Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, Gina Tambini, Socorro Grossgaliano, Jon Kim AndrusAbstract:In 2003, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) adopted a resolution calling for Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) elimination in the Americas by the year 2010. To accomplish this goal, PAHO advanced a Rubella and CRS elimination strategy including introduction of Rubella-containing vaccines into routine vaccination programs accompanied by high immunization coverage, interruption of Rubella transmission through mass vaccination of adolescents and adults, and strengthened surveillance for Rubella and CRS. The Rubella elimination strategies were aligned with the successful measles elimination strategies. By the end of 2009, all countries routinely vaccinated children against Rubella, an estimated 450 million people had been vaccinated against measles and Rubella in supplementary immunization activities, and Rubella transmission had been interrupted. This article describes how the region eliminated Rubella and CRS.
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enhanced laboratory surveillance for the elimination of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the americas
2011Co-Authors: Joseph P Icenogle, Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, Ana Maria Bispo De Filippis, Jon Kim AndrusAbstract:One of the reasons the 1997 Technical Advisory Group on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases recommended acceleration of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) prevention efforts was the fact that the enhanced measles surveillance system in the Americas found that 25% of reported measles cases were laboratory-confirmed Rubella cases. Until 1997, the laboratory network primarily focused on measles diagnosis. Since 1999, due to the accelerated Rubella control and CRS prevention strategy, laboratories have supported the regional measles, Rubella, and CRS elimination goals. The measles-Rubella laboratory network established in the Americas provides timely confirmation or rejection of suspected measles and Rubella cases, and determination of the genotypic characteristics of circulating virus strains, critical information for the programs. A quality assurance process has ensured high-quality performance of procedures in the network. Challenges are occurring, but the measles-Rubella laboratory network continues to adapt as the requirements of the program change, demonstrating the high quality of the laboratories in support of public health activities and elimination goals.
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guidelines for the documentation and verification of measles Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination in the region of the americas
2011Co-Authors: Carlos Castillosolorzano, Susan E Reef, Ana Morice, Gina Tambini, Jon Kim Andrus, Cuauthemoc Ruiz Matus, Socorro GrossgalianoAbstract:In the region of the Americas, goals for the elimination of endemic measles and Rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by the year 2000 and 2010, respectively were established. The successful implementation of measles elimination strategies in the region of the Americas resulted in the interruption of endemic measles transmission in 2002 and tremendous progress toward Rubella and CRS elimination. In October 2007, the 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference adopted Resolution CSP27.R2 urging member states to begin documenting and verifying the interruption of endemic transmission of the measles and Rubella viruses in the Americas. To ensure a standardized approach for the process of documentation and verification, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) developed a regional plan of action to guide countries and their national commissions as they prepare and consolidate evidence of the interruption of endemic measles and Rubella transmission. This article summarizes the plan of action including the essential criteria and components of the guidelines.