Congenital rubella syndrome

• Congenital rubella syndrome is caused by maternal infection with the rubella virus during pregnancy. The risk is highest during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Prophylaxis:

  • MMR vaccine if planning to become pregnant - if in doubt can be tested for immunity
  • If do not have antibodies to rubella they can be vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR 3 months apart
  • Pregnant women should not have the MMR vaccination as it is a live vaccine
•  Non-immune women should be offered the vaccine after giving birth.
• The features of congenital rubella syndrome to be aware of are:

  • Congenital cataracts
  • Congenital heart disease (PDA and pulmonary stenosis)
  • Learning disability
  • Hearing loss