Rubella

Rubella is usually one of the mildest of viral exanthems. Its major impact stems from its devastating effects on the developing human fetus. Major public health effort is therefore being devoted to the vaccination programs designed to protect the susceptible young woman during the reproductive years. Rubella was recognized as a viral exanthem distinct from measles and scarlet fever during the early 19th century. 1 Gregg, an Australian ophthalmologist, was the first to recognize its teratogenic potential when in 1941 he reported finding congenital cataracts and other congenital defects in children whose mothers had rubella during early pregnancy. 2