Congenital rubella syndrome in Haiti (Short communication).
OBJECTIVE
To determine if there is an unrecognized problem of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Haiti, a country without a national rubella immunization program.


METHODS
During March 2001 and June 2001, screening physicals were conducted on approximately 80 orphans at three orphanages in Haiti that accept disabled children. Children were classified as probable CRS cases based on established clinical criteria. Photo documentation of findings was obtained whenever possible.


RESULTS
Six children met the criteria for probable CRS. Using data from surrounding Caribbean countries and from the United States of America prior to rubella immunization, we estimated that there are between 163 and 440 new cases of CRS per year in Haiti.


CONCLUSIONS
CRS exists in Haiti, but its presence is generally unrecognized. A national rubella immunization policy should be considered.
Golden
Nancy
N
University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Miami, Florida, USA.
Kempker
Russell
R
Khator
Parul
P
Summerlee
Robert
R
Fournier
Arthur
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006205:Haiti; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012410:Rubella Syndrome, Congenital / Q000453:epidemiology*