Thailand eliminates rubella as public health problem, WHO says

Bangok: Rubella is no longer a public health problem in Thailand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which described the achievement as a “major milestone”.

Also known as German measles, rubella is a contagious viral infection, which, if caught during pregnancy, can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome – a condition associated with lifelong birth defects.

The disease can, however, be prevented by vaccines, which have helped Thailand reach the milestone. The country joins a list of more than 130 other nations which have eliminated rubella as a public health problem.

“Thailand has shown that rubella elimination is achievable when strong political commitment, resilient immunisation services, high-quality surveillance and community trust come together,” said the WHO’s Dr Nilesh Buddha. “This … brings the region closer to eliminating both measles and rubella.”