Rubella case reported in North Dakota

Star Tribune

Last update: June 11, 2008 - 9:56 PM

North Dakota's first case since 1991 of rubella, commonly known as German measles, is being reported in a county bordering Minnesota.

North Dakota's Health Department was notified last week of a Cass County man who had a rash, and tests confirmed that he had contracted rubella.

The man, whose identity was not released, recently traveled to India, where he likely picked up the illness, state health officials said.

Officials are contacting North Dakotans who were potentially exposed to the man.

Rubella is usually a mild disease, but it can be severe. If a woman contracts rubella during pregnancy, it can cause severe complications, such as miscarriage, fetal death or birth defects.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations at 12 to 15 months of age (not earlier) and a second dose at 4 to 6 years old (before starting school). Vaccination is particularly important for non-immune women who may become pregnant, the agency says.

In the past 10 years through 2006, Minnesota has reported six cases (one in 2000; five in 1999) of rubella.

PAUL WALSH

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