Frequency of rubella antibodies in the population of some tropical African countries

Data on the seroepidemiology of rubella in tropical Africa have been scarce. However, reports of serologic surveys in many countries within the last few years have changed this situation. Studies in Angola have shown an overall rate of positivity for rubella antibodies of 73% among females between the ages of 15 and 19 years. In the group between five and nine years of age, 74% had rubella antibodies. Therefore, Angolans acquired natural immunity before beginning school. In Ghana, greater than 70% of women of childbearing age had rubella antibodies, and in Nigeria 60% had antibodies. In The Gambia, by 14 years of age, 93% or more of the female population had immunity to rubella. Similar high levels were found in surveys conducted in Ethiopia, Upper Volta, and Uganda. However, a low level of 33% was recorded in Togo. The reports indicate that rubella infection is widespread and endemic on the African continent.