Ongoing rubella outbreak among adults in Tokyo, Japan, June 2012 to April 2013

Authors

  • Yoshiyuki Sugishita Epidemiological Information Section, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
  • Takuri Takahashi Epidemiological Information Section, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
  • Narumi Hori Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  • Mitsuru Abo Ogasawara Branch Office, Tokyo Metropolitan Islands Public Health Center, Tokyo, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2013.4.2.011

Abstract

Introduction: A large rubella outbreak has been occurring in Tokyo, Japan since June 2012. Rubella vaccination, introduced in Japan in 1976, has targeted different age groups, resulting in a large proportion of the current population being unvaccinated.

Methods: Rubella cases reported in Tokyo from 2 January 2012 to 21 April 2013 were analysed. A clinical case had generalized maculopapular rash, fever and lymphadenopathy; a laboratory-confirmed case was a clinical case with a positive serology or polymerase chain reaction test for rubella. A descriptive analysis of cases by age, sex, vaccination history and other epidemiological information was conducted.

Results: A total of 2382 cases were reported from all areas of Tokyo. Three-quarters were male (n = 1823; 76.5%); the highest number of cases occurred among males aged 35–39 years and females aged 20–24 years. About a third of males (27%) and females (32%) reported never receiving rubella vaccination, with 68% and 56%, respectively, having an unknown vaccination status.

Discussion: This outbreak reflects the changing, yet incomplete, immunization policies for rubella in Japan that may increase the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). To suppress the outbreak of rubella and prevent CRS cases, we recommend vaccination for the entire susceptible population.

Author Biography

Yoshiyuki Sugishita, Epidemiological Information Section, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan

Author is currently Director of Epidemiological Information Section at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health. Author is a public health doctor with a special interest in infectious disease surveillance and epidemiology.

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Published

01-08-2013

How to Cite

1.
Sugishita Y, Takahashi T, Hori N, Abo M. Ongoing rubella outbreak among adults in Tokyo, Japan, June 2012 to April 2013. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2013 Aug. 1 [cited 2026 Apr. 6];4(3). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/104

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2013): July – September

Section

Outbreak Investigation Report

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