Contagious viral illness that if caught by an unvaccinated pregnant women can cause congenital rubella syndrome

Aetiology

• Caused by the rubella togavirus and transmitted through respiratory droplets
• Children are routinely vaccinated for Rubella as part of the MMR vaccine starting at 12 months of age

Clinical features (mother)

• Fever
• Coryza
• Rash (maculopapular)
• Lymphedenopathy, classically post-auricular
• Polyarthritis

Investigations

• Bloods: serological testing
  • Rubella specific IgG antibody can be detected after natural infection or vaccination
  • Blood IgM should be done within 10 days of exposure

Management

• Prevention - women planning to become pregnant should ensure they have had the MMR vaccine
• If patient has no immunity, consider TOP (early gestation)
• Supportive treatment - rest, fluids, paracetamol, avoid contact with other pregnant women

Complications

Congenital rubella syndrome

• Congenital rubella syndrome is caused by maternal infection with rubella virus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy
• Clinical features:
  • Congenital deafness
  • Congenital cataracts
  • Congenital heart disease (PDA and pulmonary stenosis)
  • Learning disability