title: Congenital rubella syndrome in Haiti (Short communication).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Miami, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Golden
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kempker
authors.forename: Parul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Khator
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Summerlee
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fournier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006205:Haiti; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012410:Rubella Syndrome, Congenital / Q000453:epidemiology*