Measles and rubella seroprevalence among adults in Georgia in 2015: helping guide the elimination efforts

A large-scale measles outbreak (11 495 reported cases, 60% aged >/=15 years) occurred in Georgia during 2013-2015. A nationwide, multistage, stratified cluster serosurvey for hepatitis B and C among persons aged >/=18 years conducted in Georgia in late 2015 provided an opportunity to assess measles and rubella (MR) susceptibility after the outbreak. Residual specimens from 3125 participants aged 18-50 years were tested for Immunoglobulin G antibodies against MR using ELISA. Nationwide, 6.3% (95% CI 4.9%-7.6%) of the surveyed population were seronegative for measles and 8.6% (95% CI 7.1%-10.1%) were seronegative for rubella. Measles susceptibility was highest among 18-24 year-olds (10.1%) and declined with age to 1.2% among 45-50 year-olds (P /=35 years (P 10% among 18-24 year-olds in Georgia revealed continued risk for outbreaks among young adults. High susceptibility to rubella among 18-34 year-olds indicates a continuing risk for congenital rubella cases.