Objective: To understand the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of rubella viruses in China (excluded Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan areas, the same below) from 2007 to 2008, and to provide the basis for the development of rubella immunization strategy.
Methods: Both rubella epidemiology data from rubella disease surveillance information management system and rubella virology data from National measles Laboratory surveillance data base were analyzed.
Results: The reported rubella incidence rate was 5.70/100,000 in 2007 and 9.11/100,000 in 2008 and the reported cases distributed in the whole country. The predominant proportions of rubella cases were <15-years-old children which accounted for 80.94% and 81.85% of total cases in 2007 and 2008 respectively. And the highest number of cases belong to 6-10 age groups, which accounted for 43.24% and 44.13% of total cases in 2007 and 2008 respectively. 1E genotype was the predominant genotype of rubella viruses in China during 2007-2008, and the nucleotide homology of the rubella isolates was 98.1%-100%.
Conclusion: The rubella Serology diagnosis, virological and serological surveillance should be strengthened. Practicable vaccine immunization strategy for different age groups should be established to achieve the goal of prevention and control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.