Acute Encephalitis following Rubella

We experienced 5 cases of acute rubella encephalitis, a serious complication of rubella. The patients presented with convulsions and a deteriorated mental state, both of which occurred with a vanishing maculopapular rash and a low grade fever. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed pleocytosis and increased protein and normal glucose levels. We diagnosed the rubella encephalitis by detection of IgM in the serum. Rubella encephalitis is known to be a serious complication of rubella, and with poor prognosis. The mortality rate may reached as high 20%. Our cases recovered without any sequelae.