Preparing for elimination of congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS): summary of a workshop on CRS elimination in the United States

The goal of eliminating indigenous rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United States in the near future is now within reach, because rubella incidence has been sustained at record-low levels since the mid-1990s. Effective prevention strategies to eliminate CRS and rubella require improvement in the surveillance of CRS and congenital rubella infection (CRI). The purpose of the workshop was to review rubella and CRS epidemiology, as well as current clinical, diagnostic, and laboratory practices, to determine whether new strategies are needed to achieve and document CRS elimination. Workshop participants agreed that surveillance for CRS must be strengthened, particularly through augmented laboratory capabilities, and the case definition for CRS must be revised to reflect the current scientific information available. Further studies of methods are needed to identify high-risk populations and geographic areas for rubella and CRS and to enhance identification of infants with CRS.