Congenital Rubella Syndrome-revisited

ABSTRACT

Although rubella vaccines were developed in 1969, the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome [CRS] is still high in developing countries. The natural history of rubella and congenital rubella has been extensively studied both epidemiologically and virologically over the last 20 years. Fetal infection during organogenesis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe malformations, especially when the exposure happens during the first 8 weeks of gestation. Fetal infection after 17 weeks' gestation is rarely associated with structural malformations, but behavioural problems and mental retardation can occur. Congenital rubella is rare in countries which have aggressive vaccination programmes. It is still a problem in developing countries