StarTribune.com
rubella041809

Home | Lifestyle | Health + Wellness

State confirms 1st case of rubella since 2000; vaccinations advised

Last update: April 18, 2009 - 7:33 AM

A Twin Cities woman has come down with the state's first case of rubella, or German measles, in nine years, Minnesota health officials reported Friday.

The unidentified woman, who is in her 30s, had not been vaccinated against the illness but is now recovering, said Kris Ehresmann, who heads the state immunization program.

Rubella is an infectious disease that causes a rash, low fever, cough and swollen glands. It is more dangerous to pregnant women and their fetuses.

Only six cases have been reported in Minnesota since 1992, the last one in 2000, the Health Department said.

"We used to see dozens and hundreds and thousands of cases in the pre-vaccine era," said Ehresmann. She said this incident, and a rare case of polio reported Tuesday, "all serve as excellent reminders that these diseases are at bay but they're not gone."

Some parents have refused to allow their children to be vaccinated against rubella because of unproven fears that the measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to autism. The Health Department is trying to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated.

"Clearly when we let our guards down in terms of vaccination, it allows the disease to regain a foothold," Ehresmann said.

Maura Lerner • 612-673-7384

Recent Health + Wellness stories

About this series - April 18, 2009
About this series - Today: More than 100 Minnesotans die each year after falls in the state's 397 nursing homes. Nothing the nursing home industry has done in the past seven years has significantly reduced the number of deaths. More

Comment on this story   |   Read all 28 comments   |  Hide reader comments

Subscribe
Shopping + Classifieds
Cars: Get A Quote

Get a Quote!

Price out the perfect vehicle for you. Select features and options.
Coupons and Deals

Save Your $$ With Coupons

Discounts on services, entertainment, dining, gifts, and more. Start saving!