TOKYO —The National Institute of Infectious Diseases has revealed that the number of patients treated for rubella infections in the last three months has already exceeded last year’s total and is warning that infections are on the increase.
An institute report reveals that in the first three months of 2013, the number of patients diagnosed with rubella exceeded the total number of recorded patients in 2012. It added that in the week ending March 24, 292 people nationwide were diagnosed with rubella, Fuji TV reported Wednesday.
Rubella, also called German measles, is an infection that sometimes causes mild flu-like symptoms and a rash on the skin. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases said this year’s figures are the worst since the current system of records began five years ago. This year alone 2,418 people have been diagnosed with the infection. The institute said the infection rate has been especially pronounced in the 20-50 age group who have not been immunized against rubella.
The Ministry of Health is urging families of pregnant women to receive vaccinations, adding that having rubella during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), a condition that can cause a baby to be born with one or more birth defects, including heart problems, vision problems, hearing problems, intellectual disability, bone problems, growth problems, and liver and spleen damage. Rubella can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Doctors are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms, which may include low-grade fever, headache, runny nose, red eyes, swollen glands and muscle or joint pain.
source: japantoday.com
