Epidemiology of primary rubella infection in the Central African Republic: data from measles surveillance, 2007-2014.

Background: Although rubella is generally considered a benign childhood disease, infection of a pregnant woman can cause foetal congenital rubella syndrome, which results in embryo-foetal disease and malformations. The syndrome is still a public health problem in developing countries where the vaccine has not yet been introduced, such as the Central African Republic (CAR). The aim of the study reported here was to define the epidemiology of primary rubella infection, in order to determine its effect on morbidity rates in the country.

Strengthening laboratory capacity through the surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Central Africa: the Surveillance Épidémiologique en Afrique Centrale (SURVAC) Project.

Objectives: The goal of the SURVAC pilot project was to strengthen disease surveillance and response in three countries; Cameroon (CAE), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic (CAR).

Methods: Seven laboratories involved in rotavirus surveillance were provided with equipment, reagents and supplies. CDC and WHO staff provided on-site classroom and bench training in biosafety, quality assurance, quality control (QC), rotavirus diagnosis using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and genotyping of rotavirus strains using the Reverse Transcription Polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Molecular surveillance of rotavirus infection in Bangui, Central African Republic, October 2011-September 2013.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in the immunization program of all countries. In the Central African Republic (CAR), sentinel surveillance for rotavirus gastroenteritis was established in 2011 by the Ministry of Health, with the support of the Surveillance en Afrique Centrale Project (SURVAC). The purpose of this study was to assess the burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis and to identify rotavirus strains circulating in CAR before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine planned for this year, 2014.