Congenital rubella is a group of physical problems that occur in an infant when its mother is infected with the virus that causes German measles.

Congenital rubella is caused by the destructive action of the rubella virus on the fetus at a critical time in development. The most critical time is the first trimester (the first 3 months of a pregnancy). After the fourth month, the mother's rubella infection is less likely to harm the developing fetus.

The rate of congenital rubella has decreased dramatically since the introduction of the rubella vaccine.

Risk factors for congenital rubella include:

• Not getting the recommended rubella immunization
• Contact with a person who has rubella (also called the 3-day measles or German measles)

Pregnant women who are not vaccinated and who have not had rubella risk infection to themselves and damage to their unborn baby.

Symptoms in the infant may include:

• Cloudy corneas or white appearance to pupil
• Deafness
• Developmental delay
• Excessive sleepiness
• Irritability
• Low birth weight
• Mental retardation
• Seizures
• Small head size
• Skin rash at birth

Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests, are done to check for the virus.