Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It’s usually mild and presents with symptoms like a rash, fever, and swollen glands. The good news is that most people recover quickly without problems. However, rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can harm their unborn babies, causing serious health problems or birth defects. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination.

5 things to know about rubella:

  1. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), there’s been an increase in rubella cases since late last year.
  2. Many cases have been reported in the Western and Eastern Cape.
  3. From the NICD: “Women who are pregnant in their first trimester and acquire rubella may pass the infection onto their foetus, who may develop congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).”
  4. The South African Department of Health is introducing a combined measles-rubella vaccine (MRCV) for children at six and 12 months of age.
  5. Monitor your children for signs and symptoms (rash, fever, swollen glands) and get medical help as soon as possible.

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