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Rubella Epidemics in Japan and Poland Rubella Epidemics in Japan and Poland
(about 2 hours later)
Japan and Poland are both experiencing epidemics of rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel warnings suggesting that women who are pregnant or might be consult their doctors before visiting either country.Japan and Poland are both experiencing epidemics of rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel warnings suggesting that women who are pregnant or might be consult their doctors before visiting either country.
The disease, also known as German measles, usually causes only mild fever and rash in adults and children, but can be devastating to a fetus, causing stillbirth or a host of birth defects, including developmental disabilities, deafness, heart problems and cataracts.The disease, also known as German measles, usually causes only mild fever and rash in adults and children, but can be devastating to a fetus, causing stillbirth or a host of birth defects, including developmental disabilities, deafness, heart problems and cataracts.
Rubella cases in Japan have shot up to over 10,000 and are still increasing. Because of peculiarities in Japan’s vaccination history, nearly 75 percent of the cases are in men ages 20 to 40.Rubella cases in Japan have shot up to over 10,000 and are still increasing. Because of peculiarities in Japan’s vaccination history, nearly 75 percent of the cases are in men ages 20 to 40.
Poland has had more than 26,000 cases this year.Poland has had more than 26,000 cases this year.
Japan normally gets more than twice as many American visitors as Poland — about 750,000 a year, compared with 350,000. And Japan’s outbreak is concentrated in cities like Tokyo and Osaka that are frequented by tourists and business executives, while Poland’s is not.Japan normally gets more than twice as many American visitors as Poland — about 750,000 a year, compared with 350,000. And Japan’s outbreak is concentrated in cities like Tokyo and Osaka that are frequented by tourists and business executives, while Poland’s is not.
Japan began vaccinating schoolgirls — but not schoolboys — against rubella in 1976, then in 1989 switched to vaccinating infants of both sexes against rubella, measles and mumps with one shot. Then problems with the mumps component caused a switch to individual shots, rendering coverage less uniform.Japan began vaccinating schoolgirls — but not schoolboys — against rubella in 1976, then in 1989 switched to vaccinating infants of both sexes against rubella, measles and mumps with one shot. Then problems with the mumps component caused a switch to individual shots, rendering coverage less uniform.
Most Japanese over age 50 had rubella in their youth and are immune, so the most vulnerable group is young men, and many outbreaks are in workplaces.Most Japanese over age 50 had rubella in their youth and are immune, so the most vulnerable group is young men, and many outbreaks are in workplaces.
Although at least five babies have been born with rubella-related birth defects, Japan’s Health Ministry has resisted calls for a nationwide immunization campaign. Local governments have subsidized shots for those who seek them from doctors.Although at least five babies have been born with rubella-related birth defects, Japan’s Health Ministry has resisted calls for a nationwide immunization campaign. Local governments have subsidized shots for those who seek them from doctors.
Rubella vaccine is available to Americans only in the triple measles/mumps/rubella formula, which is not recommended for pregnant women.Rubella vaccine is available to Americans only in the triple measles/mumps/rubella formula, which is not recommended for pregnant women.

/> 		DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.