Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. II. Rubella

No epidemiological information concerning the prevalence of rubella previously existed in Libya, thus precluding policy decisions in respect of possible immunization programme options. A random serological survey of school children, using the single-radial haemolysis-test, gave the following IgG positive rates. In Benghazi, 621 subjects yielded 58.8% at six years, the point of entry to the school system, rising to 78.3% at 12 years; in Gharian, 188 subjects yielded 61.1% at six years rising to 89.3% at 12 years. An additional random group of 70 Benghazi children, bled annually for four years, yielded positive rates of 55.7% at six years rising to 78.6% at nine years.