July 2005
For Immediate Release

Public Health Advisory on Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella Immunization Urged

The Public Health Agency of Canada is underlining the importance of routine rubella immunization. In Canada, children are routinely offered measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine) at 12 to 15 months of age.

Cases of rubella have been reported among unimmunized individuals in Oxford, Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant counties in Southwestern Ontario. Public health measures have been put in place to control the spread of the disease, and laboratory and public health officials across Canada have been alerted of the need to increase awareness, testing and reporting of any potential rubella cases across Canada.

Rubella is a mild, viral illness in children but it can have serious health consequences for unimmunized pregnant women and their infants. Rubella in an unimmunized pregnant woman - especially during the first three months of pregnancy - may result in birth defects (Congenital Rubella Syndrome) or miscarriage.

Symptoms of rubella include a mild rash, low-grade fever and swollen glands in children. Rubella is highly contagious and is spread from person-to-person through droplets from the mouth and nose. Those with rubella are considered infectious seven days before the onset of a rash and seven days after a rash has appeared.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to monitor the spread of this disease. The Agency is also advising all other provinces and territories and international health agencies - including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization - of the situation and is advising increased vigilance for testing and rapid recognition of any potential cases.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is urging all women who are contemplating pregnancy to ensure that they have been immunized against rubella. Vaccination is recommended for all women of childbearing age who do not have documented proof of prior immunization and who do not demonstrate detectable antibodies from natural infection or prior immunization. Pregnant women who are susceptible to rubella on prenatal testing should receive rubella vaccine after delivery. The vaccine should not be administered during pregnancy.

Pregnant women who have symptoms of rubella and who may have been exposed to those with rubella should seek medical advice. Persons who may have rubella should phone ahead to their doctor and schedule an appointment during off-peak times to prevent further exposure to others.

All Canadians, not just those in the areas affected by the outbreaks, should check their immunization records to make sure they are up-to-date.

Further information:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Information for Travellers

Information for health care professionals

• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care