Measles and Rubella IgG Seropositivity in the Post-elimination Era, Costa Rica, 2012-2023

Objective

To determine measles and rubella IgG seropositivity in the post-elimination era, based on data generated by the Costa Rican National Reference Center for Virology laboratory at Inciensa from 2012 to 2023. 

Methods

Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study analyzing the frequency of measles IgG and rubella IgG reactivity by enzyme-linked immunofluorescence (ELISA) in 877 subjects. 

Comprehensive approach to the interruption of the measles outbreak in Venezuela, 2017-2019: lessons learned

Objective

Describe the challenges, strategies and lessons learned in Venezuela during the measles outbreak of 2017–2019, and discuss the mechanisms employed for its containment, which led to the interruption of endemic transmission.

Methods

Descriptive study of the actions taken by Venezuela to interrupt the outbreak. 

Lessons for sustaining the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome in the Caribbean

This study searched grey literature and PubMed for strategies to sustain the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome and prevent their reintroduction in the Caribbean. Strategies were categorized at the macro, meso, and micro health levels.

Sensitivity and specificity of epidemiological criteria for the case definition of congenital syphilis in a retrospective cohort in Brazil

Objective

To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the modified criteria for case definition of congenital syphilis implemented in 2017, which excluded treatment of the sexual partner as a necessary condition for adequate maternal treatment. 

Scalable policy adoption and sustainable implementation of surgical care in the Americas

On September 29, 2023, the Republic of Ecuador convened a meeting to address surgical system strengthening and urge political leaders to invest in surgical infrastructure. The meeting included experts in health diplomacy, innovative financing, implementation strategy and national surgical plans. The event occurred in parallel with the Sixtieth Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization, Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Americas.

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