Indigenous rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) have been targeted for elimination in the United States by the year 2000. Progress toward reaching this goal is monitored through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System and the National Congenital Rubella Syndrome Registry. From 1969 through 1989, the numbers of annual reported cases decreased 99.6% for rubella and 97.4% for CRS. Following a slight resurgence during 1990-1991, the number of reported rubella cases reached record lows during 1992-1996 (annual average: 183 reported cases). This report summarizes the characteristics of rubella and CRS cases and outbreaks reported in the United States from 1994 through 1996 and provisional data as of April 18, 1997. The findings indicate sustained low incidence of rubella and CRS since 1992 and possible interruption of transmission of rubella virus in late 1996.
Adolescent Adult