Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya

Abstract

No epidemiological information concerning the prevalence of rubella previously existed in Libya, thus precluding policy decisions in respect of possible immunization programme options.

A random serological survey of school children, using the single-radial haemolysis-test, gave the following IgG positive rates. In Benghazi, 621 subjects yielded 58′8% at six years, the point of entry to the school system, rising to 78·3% at 12 years; in Gharian, 188 subjects yielded 61·1% at six years rising to 89·3% at 12 years. An additional random group of 70 Benghazi children, bled annually for four years, yielded positive rates of 55·7% at six years rising to 78·6% at nine years.