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Mumps and rubella surveillance in Victoria, 1993 to 2000
Rebecca J Guy1, Ross M Andrews, Priscilla M Robinson
1Communicable Diseases Section, Public Health Division, Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria. Rebecca.Guy@dhs.vic.gov.au
Abstract:
Despite improving childhood coverage of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) in Victoria during the 1990s, mumps and rubella notifications in age groups eligible for vaccination persisted. This study reviewed the mumps and rubella surveillance data from 1993 to 2000 with a specific focus on method of diagnosis. There were 474 notifications of mumps over the seven-year period (annual median 61, range 40 to 77) and 3,544 notifications of rubella (annual median 297, range 66 to 1,165). The highest notifications rates for mumps were consistently among the 1-4 and 5-9 year age groups, whereas there was a marked change in the age distribution of rubella notifications during this interval. A large rubella outbreak occurred in 1995 with 1,165 notifications; the highest notification rates were males aged 15-24 years, infants under one year of age (males and females), and those aged 5-14 years (males and females), respectively. The susceptibility of 5-24 year olds reflects historical changes to the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule. Rubella notifications returned to baseline levels in 1998 with the highest notification rates in infants aged under one year, and children aged 1-4 years. For both mumps and rubella, the majority of notifications for all age groups were clinically diagnosed, and were most common in children.
Insights
Despite rising measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage, persistent mumps and rubella cases occurred in vaccinated age groups. Most diagnoses were clinical, highlighting ongoing surveillance needs for these vaccine-preventable diseases.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Immunization
Background:
- Childhood measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage improved in Victoria during the 1990s.
- Despite improved coverage, mumps and rubella cases persisted in eligible age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mumps and rubella surveillance data from 1993 to 2000.
- To focus on the method of diagnosis for mumps and rubella notifications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of mumps and rubella surveillance data.
- Analysis of notification data, including age distribution and diagnosis methods.
Main Results:
- 474 mumps and 3,544 rubella notifications occurred between 1993-2000.
- Mumps notifications were highest in 1-4 and 5-9 year olds.
- Rubella notifications peaked in 1995, affecting males aged 15-24, infants, and 5-14 year olds, reflecting vaccination schedule changes.
Conclusions:
- Most mumps and rubella notifications were clinically diagnosed, primarily in children.
- Persistent cases in vaccinated age groups indicate a need for enhanced surveillance and potentially updated vaccination strategies.