Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is a medical condition caused by the rubella virus that affects an unborn child when the mother becomes infected with the virus during pregnancy. Rubella, also known as German measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children and young adults.
CRS occurs when the rubella virus crosses the placenta and infects the developing fetus, leading to a wide range of congenital abnormalities and health complications. These can include hearing loss, cataracts, heart defects, intellectual disabilities, growth delays, and liver and spleen damage, among others. The severity of the syndrome can vary depending on the timing of maternal infection during pregnancy, with earlier infections often resulting in more severe complications.
The symptoms of CRS may not be present at birth but can become apparent within the first year of life or even later. The diagnosis is typically made based on the presence of characteristic physical features and laboratory tests that detect the specific rubella virus antibodies.
Prevention is key in managing CRS, and the most effective measure is vaccination. Rubella vaccination is often part of routine childhood immunization schedules and is recommended for both males and females to prevent future infections during pregnancy. In addition, women who are planning to become pregnant should ensure their immunity to rubella before conception.
Overall, Congenital Rubella Syndrome represents the serious consequences that rubella infection can have on a developing fetus, highlighting the importance of prevention through vaccination.
