[Rubella epidemiology in military recruit schools]

In 1986, at the start of their training, 6877 male recruits were screened for the presence of anti-rubella IgG antibodies. 595 (9%) were seronegative. Of the latter group, 475 (80%) were retested in the week prior to discharge. During their four months of training, 113 (24%) exhibited seroconversion which proved acquisition of a rubella virus infection during the period of service. A clinical diagnosis of rubella was established in 15 (13%) of the persons with seroconversion. Catarrhal symptoms were present in half of those infected, whereas 41 (36%) did not report sick, suggesting a subclinical course of infection. Rubella is hardly a problem for the military in Switzerland. However, outbreaks such as the ones reported may have implications for the epidemiology of rubella in the general population, and hence should be taken into account in the planning of programs attempting to eliminate rubella virus infections.