The Epidemiology of Rubella in Lesotho before the Introduction of a Rubella Containing Vaccine: A Review of Measles Case-based Surveillance, 2012-2016

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine burden and epidemiology rubella infection in Lesotho before introduction a rubella-containing vaccine. It also assess performance measles case-based surveillance system Lesotho.
 Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.
 Place Duration Study: done from February March 2019 based on 2012 2016 data.
 Methods: There review data with total 1587 suspected cases reported during period. Samples were collected tested for measles. Those samples that negative subsequently IgM at National Reference Laboratory. serum analysed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits SERION EUROIMMUN.
 Results: 2 748 positive confirmed. accounted 48% infection. several outbreaks met two principal indicators each year period Conclusion: This showed there high level sero-positivity infections Rubella predominantly seen those aged between 5 <13 years age. justified containing vaccine 2017. Although (non-measles febrile rash illness rates percentage districts least one case blood specimen per year) under review, performed poorly. revealed need strengthening component routine immunization lower impact Lesotho. A detailed district identify address causes poor some is recommended. current challenges evaluate recently introduced