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Rubella in Japan

25 Jul 2012

The media has reported on an outbreak of rubella in Japan. As of 8 July 2012, a total of 594 cases have been reported in 2012, this figure is higher than the whole of 2011. Seventy five new rubella cases were reported during the last week alone. The outbreak began in Hyogo prefecture and has since spread to metropolitan Tokyo; cases have also been reported in Osaka, Kanagawa and Kyoto.

Advice for Travellers

Rubella infection has serious consequences for the unborn child if acquired by a woman during pregnancy. It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.