The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has reported this year’s sixth rubella (German measles) case in a 31-year-old male who resides in northern Taiwan. However, unlike the other five cases, this one was acquired in Taiwan.

German measles
The young boy pictured here, displayed the characteristic maculopapular rash indicative of rubella, otherwise known as German measles. CDC

According to the case, on November 7, he developed fever, runny nose and rash. On the following day, he sought medical attention. On November 11, rubella infection was confirmed in the case. Currently, the case has been isolated for medical treatment. Since the case had not recently traveled overseas, Taiwan CDC determined the case to be an indigenous case. The possible source of infection is being investigated.

Preventive measures have been put in place to avoid further transmission. More than 200 contacts are being monitored.

Besides the current indigenous case, the Taiwan CDC reports two cases who acquired the infection in China, and one each were acquired in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Rubella, or German measles is a disease spread by the coughs and sneezes of infected people. Symptoms include rash and fever for 2 to 3 days. Some people do not feel sick. If a pregnant woman gets rubella virus, her baby could have birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental disabilities, and organ damage.

Prevention of rubella is through vaccination. In addition to vaccination, they recommend practicing good hygiene (handwashing) and keeping hands out of faces as other measures to protect yourself.

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