Japan: Rubella in circulation
12 August 2019
Japan: Rubella in circulation
Health officials in Japan reported a rubella outbreak. August 2019
Most cases continue to be reported in Kanto area. Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama
As of July 28, 2019, 2039 cases of rubella had been reported since the beginning of 2019.
Travelers are at increased risk of rubella infection if they:
- have not been fully immunized;
- have never had rubella.
Rubella is very serious for a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Rubella in a pregnant woman can cause birth defects for her baby such as deafness, cataracts, heart abnormalities, mental disabilities and organ malformations.
Pregnant women who are not protected against rubella either through vaccination or previous rubella infection should avoid travelling to Japan during this outbreak. This is especially important during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
If a woman is not immunized against rubella and meets an infected person, she should promptly consult her doctor, who will provide specific follow-up.
Source: Government of Canada: Rubella in Japan
This news is offered by VALNEVA in collaboration with Conseils Santé Voyage