Epidemiology of rubella in Quzhou, Zhejiang, 2004 to 2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of rubella in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, from 2004 to 2012 and provide evidence for the development of rubella elimination strategies and measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of rubella reported through notifiable communicable disease reporting system, public health emergency reporting system and Zhejiang surveillance system of children immunization. Results A total of 2661 rubella cases were reported in Quzhou during this period, the average annual incidence was 11.96/lakh, The incidence rate of different areas had statistic significance (P0.05), the incidence peak was around 28 April of a year. The incidence increased in age group 6 years. The incidence increased in children outside child care settings but declined in students. Up to 42% of the cases had no rubella vaccination history, The protection time of one dose rubella vaccine was shorter than those of two dose rubella vaccine, one dose measles vaccine or one dose MMR vaccine. Conclusion The incidence of rubella remained to be low in Quzhou in recent years. It is essential to strengthen disease surveillance, increase immunization coverage in risk population and conduct rubella immunization activity in child bearing aged woman to control and eliminate rubella.