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The 1980 rubella outbreak in New Zealand
Abstract:
From late 1979 to 1981 there was an outbreak of rubella in New Zealand, most parts of the country being affected. The diagnostic virus laboratory at the National Health Institute, Wellington, examined approximately 15 000 sera for rubella during this period. The total number diagnosed as positive for rubella was 186. The extent of the outbreak was seen when these numbers were compared with rates of positive cases/numbers tested in the year from 1973. Of those diagnosed as having rubella infection, 63 percent were women of child-bearing age and approximately half of these (37 percent) were in various stages of pregnancy. Also an assessment of rubella immunity in New Zealand was made, comparing results of a survey carried out in 1976-1977 with antibody levels obtained by the laboratory from sera tested in 1979 and 1980. In 1980 we found that 12 percent of women in the child-bearing age group lacked adequate immunity, notwithstanding an actively pursued national rubella immunisation programme initiated in 1970.
Insights
A 1979-1981 rubella outbreak in New Zealand affected many, with 186 cases diagnosed. A concerning 12% of women of childbearing age lacked immunity, despite a national immunization program.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- New Zealand experienced a significant rubella outbreak from late 1979 to 1981.
- Rubella virus infections pose risks, particularly to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the scale and impact of the 1979-1981 rubella outbreak in New Zealand.
- To assess the rubella immunity status among women of childbearing age.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the national rubella immunization program.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic virus laboratory at the National Health Institute, Wellington, examined approximately 15,000 sera for rubella.
- Comparison of positive rubella case rates during the outbreak period with historical data from 1973.
- Assessment of rubella immunity by comparing a 1976-1977 survey with antibody levels from sera tested in 1979-1980.
Main Results:
- 186 cases of rubella were diagnosed during the outbreak period.
- 63% of diagnosed rubella cases were in women of childbearing age, with 37% in various stages of pregnancy.
- In 1980, 12% of women of childbearing age lacked adequate rubella immunity.
Conclusions:
- The 1979-1981 outbreak highlighted the continued circulation of rubella virus in New Zealand.
- A notable proportion of women of childbearing age remained susceptible to rubella, posing a risk for congenital rubella syndrome.
- The findings suggest potential gaps or waning effectiveness in the national rubella immunization program, necessitating further investigation and public health interventions.