Introduction

Rubella, also known as German measles, is characterized by temperate constitutional symptoms, a low-grade fever, and a widespread rash of pink-red spots . The rash initially appears on the face and upper trunk but extends over the entire body within a day. Additionally, the occipital, postauricular, and cervical nodes become swollen and tender, especially in adolescents and young adults. An infected individual may also experience tender, bleeding gums and transient polyarthralgia or arthritis as part of his/her illness. Postnatal rubella is rather mild and complete recovery can be expected in 3 to 4 days. Treatment is usually unnecessary; however, most children are first vaccinated at 12 to 15 months of age with the MMR vaccine.(7)

Congenital rubella is more serious. Infants can suffer from ophthalmologic, cardiac, auditory, and neurological difficulties. Other clinical manifestations include growth-retardness, radiolucent bone disease, and purple skin lesions. Additionally, infected pregnant mothers can suffer from stillbirths and abortions, and the infant frequently suffers from many of these congenital anomalies. Due to the licensing of live attenuated rubella vaccines, congenital rubella can be prevented.(5)