The German measles virus is of particular note when it comes to infants both before and after birth. The German measles virus has been proven to be quite dangerous to a baby if the mother is infected before birthing the child. This infant German measle syndrome is commonly referred to as congenital rubella.


Rubella is another name for German measles. German measles are generally considered to be rather benign in most cases, but when a pregnant woman has the virus, it is very much a problem. Congenital rubella has been known to cause a number of devastating problems in infants.



Generally, there are no problems if the mother contracts the rubella virus after her 20th week of gestation. When the virus is contracted earlier in the gestation period, then serious problems can follow. The percentage of congenital rubella increases the earlier the virus is contracted. Those percentages can rise as high as forty percent or more in early gestation.


One of the many problems that congenital rubella can cause are eye problems. The corneas may appear white or clouded. This can be corrected sometimes by surgery. Other problems can include deafness, seizures, rash, and a smaller head size at birth. Severe problems can also develop long term such as delays in the babies development, and even mental retardation. These long term problems can be avoided, however, with proper vaccinations.


Every pregnant woman is now screened for congenital rubella, and the vast majority of these women have been vaccinated at a very young age. Rubella, or German measles are part of the vaccinations required to enter school in most countries. The vast majority of people are now immune to rubella and measles as well. Still, it is absolutely essential for expectant mothers to be very aware of any rubella threat. It is also vital that every mother know their own status as far as vaccinations.


Congenital rubella, or infant German measles, is certainly becoming more and more rare with the vaccinations coming into play. The rate of congenital rubella is rather high in some countries where the vaccine is either unavailable or not pursued diligently. It is vital that we ensure that every child and mother is protected against congenital rubella.

Tags: Babies, Corneas, Eye Problems, German Measle, German Measles, Gestation Period, Measles Virus, Mental Retardation, Percentages, Pregnant Woman, Rash, Rubella Virus, Seizures