Rubella and the devastating effects of congenital rubella syndrome

Abstract

Rubella virus is a vaccine preventable disease that is endemic in many countries worldwide. We appraised the prevalence and risk factors for rubella and considered the effects of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in children. A systematic review of relevant literature was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Articles were searched for through PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, web of Science, and Index Medicus. Rubella and CRS are endemic in African as well as the South-East Asian region. The current global vaccination coverage of rubella was estimated to be 70%. However, many countries in African and South-East Asia are yet to include rubella vaccination in their national immunization schedules. Mauritius and Seychelles are exceptions in Africa, while Sri Lanka and Maldives in the South-East Asian region have implemented this regimen. Globally, only the Americas has successfully eradicated rubella. It is still endemic in many African countries with devastating effects among infants and pregnant women. Cases are unabated and several children continue to suffer the consequences of CRS. Concerted efforts are needed to create awareness and galvanize support to control the incidence of rubella and CRS