Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can occur in the developing fetus of a woman who has contracted rubella, commonly known as German measles, during her first trimester. CRS can result in a wide range of illnesses in infants, including malformation of the brain and damage to major organs.

CDC Deputy Director-General Lin Ting said Tuesday that the baby, born in northern Taiwan, has congenital cerebral defects, heart disease and cataracts as a result of the virus.

The baby was born in January and the case was reported March 17, Lin added.

According to Lin, the infant’s mother recalled being diagnosed by her doctor in China as being infected with measles rather than rubella in the fifth week of her pregnancy, which was a week before she discovered she was pregnant.

The mother immigrated to Taiwan in the 19th week of her pregnancy last August. She had her first pregnancy check-up in Taiwan the day after her arrival and was found to have the rubella antibody in her system, Lin went on.

Rubella is a mild disease in general and usually passes unnoticed. However, it can be very dangerous for a baby if the mother is infected in the early stages of pregnancy as there is a 90 percent chance that the disease can be passed on to the fetus, Lin said.

There is 25 percent chance of miscarriage or stillbirth of infected fetuses, as well as serious problems for those that are born alive, such as congenital heart disease, hearing problems, glaucoma, cataracts, microcephalin — small sized head — or mental deficiency.

Termination of the pregnancy is usually recommended if rubella is diagnosed during pregnancy.

Lin said Taiwan has administered the MMR vaccine for immunization against measles, mumps and rubella since 1976 and has not seen any indigenous congenital rubella syndrome cases in recent years.

The Department of Health has required since 2002 that foreign spouses submit documents to prove they have been vaccinated or have the rubella antibody, but there is still a “dead corner” in management of the situation, Lin admitted. He said the CDC has already started cooperating with the National Immigration Agency to improve management.

He called on the public, especially women, to confirm their vaccine record before they become pregnant.

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