Rubella

Rubella, or German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. It is usually a mild disease in children and adults. Rubella infection in adults and children is a Category 1 notifiable medical condition and requires immediate notification on clinical suspicion. Clinicians should notify cases, and submit blood for confirmatory testing to the NICD, along with a completed case investigation form.

Pregnant woman who acquire rubella infection may pass rubella on to their unborn babies. This may lead to congenital rubella syndrome – a potentially fatal condition that may lead to pregnancy loss, fetal death or fetal anomalies including congenital heart defects, cataracts and deafness.

Congenital rubella syndrome is a category 2 NMC and is more fully described here