Congenital Rubella Syndrome

Congenital Rubella Syndrome is a reportable disease in Oklahoma.  Rubella is a viral illness caused by a togavirus of the genus Rubivirus.  Pregnant women infected with the virus run the risk of detrimental effects to their developing fetus.  Congenital rubella is caused by the destructive action of the rubella virus on the fetus at a critical time in development.  The most critical time is the first trimester (the first 3 months of a pregnancy).  After the fourth month, the mother’s rubella infection is less likely to harm the developing fetus.  Introduction of the Rubella vaccine has greatly decreased the rate of congenital rubella.

It is recommended that all women be tested for immunity to rubella before they become pregnant so they may become vaccinated if necessary. Vaccination will prevent rubella in women so their future children will be protected from congenital rubella syndrome.

Women who missed being tested prior to pregnancy are routinely tested during an early prenatal visit. If a pregnant woman is not immune, she should avoid anyone who has symptoms suggestive of rubella. There is no effective treatment for rubella during pregnancy, nor is there an effective way to prevent rubella in an unvaccinated woman exposed to the illness.

Rubella symptoms in an infant include: cloudy corneas or white appearance to pupils, deafness, developmental delay, excessive sleepiness, irritability, low birth weight, mental retardation, seizures, small head size, and skin rash at birth.

Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests, are done to check for the virus.  Because congenital rubella causes damage to the fetus, there is no specific treatment for the infant.  Care involves appropriate treatment of affected systems in consultation with your health care provider.  The outcome for a child with congenital rubella depends on the severity of condition.  Heart defects can often be corrected.  Damage to the nervous system is permanent.  The best prevention for Congenital Rubella Syndrome is the Rubella Vaccine.

ADS Resources:
Rubella
Rubella Fact Sheet

Other Resources:
CDC Rubella
WHO Rubella
Immunization Service Rubella Vaccination