Epidemiological analysis of rubella in Tianjin between 1990 and 2006

Objective　The study was conducted to investigate the general situation of rubella in Tianjin in order to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of this disease. Methods The morbidity and epidemiological characteristics of rubella in Tianjin from 1990 through 2006 were analyzed. Results　The duration of the epidemic period of rubella was estimated to be 3-5 year, and every 10 years there would be a significant peak of outbreak. Most rubella epidemics occurred in late spring and early summer in a year, and children and teenagers, or students and kindergarten children, were frequently affected. Conclusion　The high incidence of rubella in Tianjin was associated with low immunization rates of rubella among children and the congregation of susceptible population. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome(CRS), it is vital to introduce the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine into the National Immunization Programme for Children, and improve the quality of relevant surveillance.