HISTORY, MANIFESTATION AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR RUBELLA IN INDIA: A REVIEW

Rubella is an eradicable illness on the grounds of immunization against it produces solid protection. The name rubella comes from the Latin language, and it means “little red”. In olden times people thought that rubella was a variant of measles. German literature first described it as a separate disease, and hence it was also called “German Measles”. People are the main reservoir of the infection. Before inoculation, rubella was endemic around the world, with plagues occurring every 6-9 years. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) acquires a very important place in rubella infection since it leads to a highly damaging effect on the health of newborns. It is transmitted to them by their mothers who have acquired this infection. Babies conceived every year with inborn rubella disorder is a disaster. Although, effective vaccination programs against rubella, especially in combination with immunization against measles has led to the eradication of this disease especially in developed countries like United States of America, still it is vital to recollect that having a powerful antibody does not ensure control of sickness – the immunization must be appropriated to all who require it. This review focused on the history, mechanism of rubella infection, manifestation and preventive measures for rubella in India. Indian government has launched MR vaccination campaign targeting the children of 9-12 year age group.