Rubella and Neonatal EffectsRubella is an essentially harmless disease that resembles measles, however, it is highly teratogenic to the developing fetus. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, the fetus is at risk of developing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can lead to tissue and organ damage. Appropriate nursing interventions and teaching should be performed to prevent the spread of rubella and reduce CRS rates. History and epidemiology of rubella Until the 18th century, rubella was often confused with measles and scarlet fever. In 1952 and 1958, two German scientists successfully isolated the rubella virus and it was given the name "German measles" until 1866, when a Scottish doctor gave it the name "rubella". (Duszack, 2010). Rubella is spread by droplet transmission and contact. It replicates in the host's respiratory tract, spreads to lymph nodes and from there to the rest of the body (Yazdami, McGhee, & Stiehm, 2011).Normal Signs and Symptoms of RubellaRubella begins as a red rash, which begins on the face and quickly spreads to the rest of the body. The rash is usually accompanied by a mild fever and swollen lymph nodes. However, other symptoms such as eye pain, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and nausea also accompany rubella symptoms. The rash begins to coalesce and form “pinpoint papules” very similar to those of scarlet fever, which typically last 5 to 8 days (Yazdami et al., 2011). Rubella infection during pregnancy During pregnancy, the rubella virus progresses as it does during pregnancy. However, in a non-pregnant woman, the virus also affects the fetus. The rubella virus can cross the placenta and attack the developing blood vessels of the fetus, leading to organ...... middle of paper ......d Procedures. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/968523-followup#a2644 Ola, R. (2008). Rubella (acquired and congenital), Washington State Department of Health. Retrieved from http://www.doh.wa.gov/notify/guidelines/pdf/rubella.pdfDuszack, R., S. (2009). Congenital rubella syndrome – major review. Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association, 80(1), 36-43. doi:10.1016/j.optm.2008.03.006Strebel, P., Dabbagh, A., Gacic-Dobo M., Reef SE, & Cochi, S. (2010). Progress towards rubella control and prevention of congenital rubella syndrome – worldwide 2009. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 59(40):1307-1310. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/730825 Yazdami, S., McGhee, SA, & Stiehm, R. (2011). Chronic complex illnesses of childhood: a practical guide for clinicians. Boca Raton, Florida: BrownWalker Press.