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The National Institute of Infectious Diseases reports continued circulation of rubella in Japan. As of 28 July 2019 there were 2039 cases of rubella reported since the beginning of 2019.
After a large number of cases in 2013 (N=14344) there was a dramatic decline in case numbers over the following years to 91 cases in 2017. However in 2018 there was a large increase in transmission in the second half of 2018 with 2917 cases being reported that year.
In 2019 95% of cases have been adults, while 79% have been male. Japan is offering rubella vaccination to adult males in an effort to reduce transmission.
Advice for Travellers
Rubella infection has serious consequences for the unborn child if acquired by a woman during pregnancy. Pregnant women should ensure they are rubella immune prior to travel.
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.
