Rubella, congenital syndrome

Imported from NNDSS: Rubella, congenital syndrome

0
Countries Affected
No data
Recent Cases (30d)
0
Active Outbreaks
N/A
Last Updated

Don't find out from the news. Track this outbreak and 200+ diseases in real time.

Track on iPhone Track on Android Web

What is Rubella, congenital syndrome?

Congenital Rubella Syndrome was first described in 1941 by Australian ophthalmologist Norman Gregg, who linked maternal rubella infection to congenital cataracts and heart defects. This groundbreaking discovery established a viral infection as a cause of congenital abnormalities, paving the way for the development of the rubella vaccine decades later.

Symptoms

  • Sensorineural deafness
  • Cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye defects
  • Congenital heart defects (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis)
  • Microcephaly (small head size)
  • Developmental delay and intellectual disabilities
  • Growth retardation
  • Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) or splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Transmission

The rubella virus, which causes CRS, spreads from person to person via airborne droplets from the respiratory secretions of an infected individual (e.g., through coughing or sneezing). When a pregnant woman contracts rubella, the virus can then cross the placenta and infect her unborn baby, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • MMR vaccine: Ensure all children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age are vaccinated against rubella (part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine).
  • Pre-pregnancy vaccination: Women planning pregnancy should confirm rubella immunity and be vaccinated at least one month before conception if non-immune.
  • Avoid exposure: Pregnant women should avoid contact with individuals infected with rubella.

Live Rubella, congenital syndrome Global Case Map

Global monitoring active. Updated from real-time surveillance data.

No reports
Low activity
High activity

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Rubella, congenital syndrome activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Rubella, congenital syndrome case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Rubella, congenital syndrome activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Rubella, congenital syndrome prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • MMR vaccine: Ensure all children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age are vaccinated against rubella (part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine).
  • Pre-pregnancy vaccination: Women planning pregnancy should confirm rubella immunity and be vaccinated at least one month before conception if non-immune.
  • Avoid exposure: Pregnant women should avoid contact with individuals infected with rubella.

Don't find out from the news. Track this outbreak and 200+ diseases in real time.

Track on iPhone Track on Android Web

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18

Get the weekly outbreak digest.

What's active, what's spreading, and what to watch. No spam.

Stay Ahead of Rubella, congenital syndrome Outbreaks

Don't find out from the news. Track this outbreak and 200+ diseases in real time.

Track on iPhone Track on Android Web
Enterprise Solutions Get Alerts in Slack
Virus Watcher
iPhone Android Web