Congenital rubella

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Rubella on an infant's back

Rubella Syndrome

Slit-lamp exam

Congenital rubella is a group of physical problems that occur in an infant when its mother is infected with the virus that causes German measles.

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.

The incidence of rubella syndrome has decreased dramatically since the introduction of the rubella vaccine.

Risk factors for congenital rubella include lack of the recommended rubella immunization and contact with a person who has rubella (also called the 3-day measles or German measles). Pregnant women who are not vaccinated and who have not had rubella risk infection to themselves and damage to their unborn baby.

Review Date: 01/24/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.