Maternal exposure to rubella infection elevates risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Abstract

The rise in neurodevelopmental disorders linked to maternal viral infections, particularly during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, is concerning. Rubella, a contagious viral disease, primarily affects children and young adults, presenting as a rash and mild fever. It can also cause symptoms such as a swollen spleen, blueberry muffin skin spots, small head circumference, meningoencephalitis, developmental delays, and jaundice. When contracted in the first trimester, rubella can lead to severe birth defects or fetal death, with the risk declining after 20 weeks. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) caused by rubella's teratogenic effects, remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 100,000 CRS cases annually. Following the approval of the rubella vaccine in 1969, significant strides have been made to reduce CRS and rubella incidences. This chapter provides disease management, prevention strategies, treatment options, and immunological response, focusing on prognosis and insights from current research on rubella and CRS.