Rubella syndrome

Alternative names:

congenital rubella

Definition:

A group of physical abnormalities that have developed in an infant as a result of maternal infection and subsequent fetal infection with rubella virus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Rubella syndrome is caused by the action of rubella virus on the fetus at a critical time in development. The incidence of rubella syndrome has decreased dramatically since the advent of rubella vaccine and is almost never seen. Nonimmunized, nonimmune (rubella) pregnant women are at risk for infection and subsequent damage to the fetus.