Measles & Rubella surveillance and outbreak investigation guidelines

Overview

The WHO/ UNICEF comprehensive strategy to reduce measles deaths was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2003. The four components of the strategy are: strong routine immunization; providing a 'second opportunity' for measles immunization; effective measles surveillance; and improved case management. The overall goal of the South-East Asia regional strategic plan for 2007-2010 is to reduce the number of measles deaths by 90% in 2010 relative to 2000 estimates. Two important objectives outlined in the plan are: to conduct case-based measles surveillance within an integrated vaccine preventable disease surveillance system in countries that have conducted measles catch-up campaigns; and to achieve full investigation and appropriate clinical case management for all measles outbreaks. Although the current regional goal is sustainable measles mortality reduction, several countries that have achieved a low incidence of measles are accelerating efforts with a view towards measles elimination. Additionally, Member countries are integrating measles mortality reduction with rubella/ congenital rubella syndrome (‎CRS)‎ control whenever possible. These guidelines are intended to provide a framework for measles and rubella surveillance for national and sub-national level programme managers who could adapt them to local needs.