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Rubella in Iceland
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section B, Microbiology
|June 1, 1975
Summary
This study assessed rubella immunity in Icelandic women, finding 67.8% seropositivity overall. Women of child-bearing age showed higher immunity, crucial for understanding rubella epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rubella has been a notifiable disease in Iceland since 1888, with epidemics occurring every 5-10 years.
- Previous epidemics primarily affected individuals under 15, with females constituting a majority of reported cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first sero-epidemiological study of rubella in Iceland.
- To assess rubella immunity status in women across different age groups and locations.
- To correlate serological findings with historical epidemic data.
Main Methods:
- Collected epidemiological data and serum samples from 1464 women across 13 locations in Iceland.
- Divided participants into 12 age groups (5-49 years) for analysis.
- Determined rubella immunity by measuring hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibodies in serum.
Main Results:
- Overall rubella seropositivity was 67.8% (HI-titre > 20).
- 81.1% of women of child-bearing age (16-42 years) were seropositive.
- Immunity levels varied by age, with higher rates in those who experienced more epidemics and those of school age compared to younger children; rural populations showed slightly lower immunity than urban ones.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial sero-epidemiological data on rubella immunity in Icelandic women.
- Findings highlight the importance of vaccination programs, especially for women of child-bearing age, to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
- An estimated 1 in 7 rubella cases were reported during the 1963-1964 epidemic, indicating significant underreporting.