Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. Rubella is typically mild in adults and children, with some people not experiencing any symptoms at all. Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck, particularly behind the ears, a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, pink/inflamed eyes, and in adults, joint pain.

While anyone can catch rubella, it is most serious in people who are pregnant, due to the possibility of miscarriage and the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), or when the baby is affected by rubella in utero. CRS can lead to may birth complications, including heart problems (i.e., congenital heart disease), eye problems (cataracts), deafness, intellectual disabilities, and diabetes, amongst others.

Rubella is now rare, and CRS is extremely rare, in Canada due to the success of rubella immunization programs. However, rubella is still endemic in many countries worldwide. Travellers to areas where rubella is still commonly spreading, such as areas outside the Americas, are at greatest risk of being exposed to the virus.

Check out our resources on rubella immunization and share with your network!