Rubella is a viral infection transmitted from person to person by droplets via coughs and sneezes. In healthy individuals it is usually a mild disease. Up to 50 % of individuals infected with rubella may not show symptoms. However, if a woman gets rubella shortly before getting pregnant or during the first three months of pregnancy, it is very likely to result in miscarriage or congenital anomalies known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
On 23 November WHO Europe published the results from the 5th annual meeting of the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC).
This ECDC communication toolkit aims to support EU/EEA countries in their communication initiatives to increase immunisation uptake, in particular childhood vaccination. It provides template materials that health authorities can adapt to develop their own communication initiatives, in line with national, regional or local strategies and needs.
The ECDC measles and rubella monitoring report is published twice a year. The January issue reports on the previous calendar year, while the July issue focuses on the most recent measles and rubella season and presents the data collected over the past 12 months.
During the course of European Immunisation Week (EIW), 24 – 30 April 2016, ECDC is putting the spotlight on its resources in support of measles and rubella elimination. These range from disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence to communication tools and guides on awareness raising about the importance of vaccination, as well as the vaccination scheduler tool.
European Immunization Week (EIW) is celebrated across the European Region every April. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of immunization for people’s health and well-being. Activities in 2016 focused on the progress and challenges in the Region’s concerted effort to eliminate measles and rubella.
If a woman gets rubella shortly before getting pregnant or during the first three months of pregnancy, it is very likely to result in miscarriage or congenital anomalies known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Measles and rubella are targeted for elimination in Europe by 2015. ECDC closely monitors progress towards interruption of endemic transmission of both diseases through enhanced surveillance and epidemic intelligence.