German Measles Not Just For Children Anymore

Rubella, long considered a childhood disease, has struck mostly teenagers and adults over the past three years.

People 15 and older accounted for more than 80 percent of the 567 rubella cases reported from 1994 to 1996 in 32 states, the District of Columbia and New York City, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

“It used to be a childhood disease until we started the vaccinations,” said Dr. Susan Reef, a CDC epidemiologist. “We’re seeing it shift.”

Most of those who contracted rubella, also known as German measles, in the past three years had been born outside the United States in countries without a vaccination program, Reef said. And some American-born baby boomers may have missed out on the shots, she said.

Rubella, spread through coughing and sneezing, may show up as a pink rash on the face that spreads to the chest, arms and legs.

Between 1994 and 1996, 12 U.S. babies were born with congenital rubella syndrome.

“It is very important to get the vaccination because of the devastating effects of the rubella syndrome,” Reef said.