A Banerjee1, A K Sahni2, R M Gupta3, V S Grewal4, Z Singh5. 1. Associate Professor (PSM), DY Patil Medical College, Pune. 2. Classified Specialist (Pathology & Microbiology), DRDE, Gwalior. 3. Associate Professor (Microbiology), AFMC, Pune. 4. Medical Officer, HQ 54 Inf Div (Med), C/o 56 APO. 5. Ex-Commandant, MH Jallandhar.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rubella is traditionally considered a childhood disease, but has the potential to cause outbreaks in closed community of young adults. The present paper describes one such outbreak in a military training establishment. METHOD: The cases of rubella outbreak were identified by clinical features (fever, rash and lymphadenopathy) and confirmed by detection of high titre of anti-rubella IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Initial serum samples were also tested for antibodies against measles, scrub typhus and dengue. Salient epidemiological features of the outbreak were studied. RESULT: 163 cadets were admitted in the local military hospital within two months. The cases presented with fever, coryza, lymphadenopathy and maculopapular rash. 117 (71.78%) of the samples showed presence of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. CONCLUSION: Rubella outbreaks in military communities have the potential to adversely affect military training/operations. The need for administration of vaccination against rubella in such population may be reviewed.
BACKGROUND:Rubella is traditionally considered a childhood disease, but has the potential to cause outbreaks in closed community of young adults. The present paper describes one such outbreak in a military training establishment. METHOD: The cases of rubella outbreak were identified by clinical features (fever, rash and lymphadenopathy) and confirmed by detection of high titre of anti-rubella IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Initial serum samples were also tested for antibodies against measles, scrub typhus and dengue. Salient epidemiological features of the outbreak were studied. RESULT: 163 cadets were admitted in the local military hospital within two months. The cases presented with fever, coryza, lymphadenopathy and maculopapular rash. 117 (71.78%) of the samples showed presence of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. CONCLUSION:Rubella outbreaks in military communities have the potential to adversely affect military training/operations. The need for administration of vaccination against rubella in such population may be reviewed.