A Study Prevalence of Congenital Rubella Syndrome Cases Before and After Rubella Vaccination Campaign

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rubella is a preventable disease and a primary cause of congenital disabilities.
• Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with varying vaccination coverage.
• Understanding the epidemiological trends of CRS is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze patients diagnosed with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
• To compare the incidence and characteristics of CRS cases before and after the implementation of a Rubella Vaccination Campaign (RVC).
• To evaluate the impact of the RVC on CRS prevalence in an audiology outpatient setting.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Secondary data were collected from CRS surveillance case investigation forms and medical records.
• Data spanned from 2015 to 2020 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya, including 346 suspected CRS cases.

Main Results:

• Out of 346 suspected cases, 145 (41.9%) were classified as clinical CRS, 65 (18.8%) as confirmed CRS, and 136 (39.3%) as discarded CRS.
• The majority of suspected CRS cases (27.4%) were observed in infants under one month of age.
• Hearing loss was the most frequently reported symptom across both pre- and post-RVC periods.

Conclusions:

• Despite the Rubella Vaccination Campaign, Congenital Rubella Syndrome continues to be diagnosed.
• Hearing loss is a persistent and prevalent symptom associated with CRS.
• Ongoing surveillance and vaccination efforts are essential to reduce the burden of CRS.