Surveillance guidelines for measles and congenital rubella infection in the European Region of WHO

Abstract

Measles and rubella remain important causes of vaccine-preventable disease and death in the European Region of WHO. The Strategic Plan for Measles and Congenital Rubella Infection in the European Region of WHO identifies key strategies to meet the targets for interrupting indigenous measles transmission and preventing congenital rubella infection (‎<1 case of congenital rubella syndrome per 100 000 live births)‎ by 2010; strengthening surveillance systems by vigorous case investigation and laboratory confirmation is one of these key strategies. Surveillance indicators identified in these surveillance guidelines will be critical for assessing whether Member States have achieved the disease targets. The Surveillance Guidelines for Measles and Congenital Rubella Infection are intended to provide technical advice on the design and implementation of surveillance programmes for these diseases