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Rubella virus no longer a threat to the US

Emergency Management Alert, March 29, 2005

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that the rubella virus, a major cause of serious birth defects such as deafness and blindness, is no longer a major public health threat.

"The elimination of rubella in the United States is a tremendous step in protecting the health and well being of pregnant women and infants," Julie Gerberding, MD, CDC director, announced at the National Immunization Conference last week. "A disease that once seriously harmed tens of thousands of infants is no longer a major health threat, thanks to a safe and effective vaccine and successful immunization programs across the country. We should take pride in this accomplishment, and also recognize that we must maintain our vigilance or we can see a resurgence of disease."

Currently, about 93% of the country's children under the age of two receive vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella. More than 95% of the country's children receive vaccination against rubella by the time they enter school.

"The importance of continuing vaccination cannot be emphasized enough," said Steve Cochi, MD, acting director of the CDC's National Immunization Program. "Cases of rubella continue to be brought into the country by worldwide travelers and because of bordering countries where the disease is active."

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