Fiji issues warning against rubella

Fiji's Ministry of Health on Tuesday issued a strong warning against rubella after 49 cases of rubella have been reported in the country to date. Dr Mike Kama, the ministry's director on communicable diseases, told reportes that over the weekend two new rubella cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 49. That was why it is becoming a serious health issue in the island nation, said Kama, adding it is vital to warn visitors about the rubella cases so they can take precautions early. Kama said majority of the cases affect those between the ages of 19 and 30, and though it is not a serious illness for many, pregnant women need to be more careful as it affects unborn babies. As Fiji entertains numerous wedding ceremonies at its resorts, it is important for tourists to be immunized against rubella, said the health official. Rubella is a viral infection which is sometimes called German measles. It is usually a mild illness, but it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if a woman got it during early pregnancy. Rubella is rare in developed countries, but it is still a common cause of miscarriages and stillbirths, congenital blindness, deafness and heart problems in developing countries where immunization is not available to all.