SEROPREVALENCE OF RUBELLA VIRUS INFECTION

ABSTRACT

Rubella is an epidemic-prone disease with endemic transmission in Nigeria. The signs and symptoms of rubella are often difficult to notice, especially in children. Infants and children who develop the disease usually only have a mild case of the rash and side effects. However, children who contract rubella from their mother while she is pregnant can have severe birth defects and other consequences, including: Growth delays, cataracts, deafness, problems with the development of the heart (congenital heart defects), problems with the development of other organs, problems with mental development and learning. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of Rubella virus infection among febrile paediatrics in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 145 participants were used with inclusion criteria limited to only febrile paediatrics in Benin City, Edo State between 0 years of age to 15 years of age. A stratified-random sampling technique was used as well as a simple random sampling method was used in the selection of participants by first dividing the participants into relevant subgroups(male and female) and using the simple random sampling method, a sample was drawn from each participants. The study was carried out in a single center at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. The seroprevalence was found to be 8.9% among febrile paediatrics in Benin City, Edo State, with the female gender having the highest prevalence of 61.54%. The study provides a clue regarding the burden of acute Rubella infection in the environment. Hence, the need for government to take lead towards strengthening case-based surveillance for febrile rashes and hastening the introduction of Rubella containing vaccine to prevent and control acute Rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome.