Search

Objective: Develop a risk matrix to evaluate the ongoing risk of measles and rubella outbreaks associated with imported cases in Chile., Methods: The risk assessment tools were developed in the following stages: preparation and approval of biological, programmatic, and demographic variables; weighting of the selected variables by a panel of experts; calculation of the risk index; specialization; and knowledge transfer., Results: Of the 346 Chilean communes analyzed, 34% were in the high-risk interval for experiencing a measles and rubella outbreak with the introduction of the virus, 59%, in the average-risk interval, and 3%, in the low-risk interval. The remaining percentage corresponded to communes lacking data in at least one of the 13 variables required for calculating the risk index., Conclusion: Use of this tool will enable subnational teams to use their own data to evaluate the risk of outbreaks in their area and take corrective action for a rapid response to any importation of these viruses in the post-elimination phase., Competing Interests: Conflictos de interés Los autores declaran no tener conflictos de interés.