A Rubella outbreak has been confirmed in South Africa by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), primarily affecting children under ten and pregnant women. Symptoms of the viral infection include fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes, and cough.
The NICD has warned of significant risks for pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, as exposure to Rubella may lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). This condition can cause severe abnormalities in unborn babies, including heart defects, blindness, and deafness.
To mitigate the risks, the NICD advises pregnant women to seek medical advice if they’ve been in contact with an infected person. Dr. Kerrigan McCarthy, NICD spokesperson, recommends that pregnant women diagnosed with Rubella be referred to specialist obstetric services for guidance on their baby’s health.
In response to the outbreak, the Department of Health has introduced the Rubella vaccine for children aged six and nine months. The NICD expects the outbreak to be contained by the end of the year or early January.
Source: Thepressradio.com|BA
