Evidence used to support the achievement and maintenance of elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in the United States.

On 29 October 2004, an expert panel was convened to review the status of elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United States. Primarily based on 5 types of information presented--epidemiology of reported cases, molecular epidemiology, seroprevalence, vaccine coverage, and adequacy of surveillance--the panel unanimously agreed that rubella virus is no longer endemic in the United States. Since 2004, new data continue to support the conclusion that elimination has been achieved and maintained. In documenting elimination in the United States, each of the 5 types of data provided evidence for elimination and collectively provided much stronger evidence than any one type could individually. As countries document the elimination of rubella and CRS, many sources and types of data will likely be necessary. Rigorous data evaluation must be conducted to look for inconsistencies among the available data. To maintain elimination, countries should maintain high vaccine coverage, adequate surveillance, and rapid response to outbreaks.