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

By MAURA LERNER, Star Tribune

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

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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

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