Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious disease caused by the rubella virus. It can be easily overlooked because the symptoms are mild or even absent. However, if a pregnant woman is infected with rubella during the first three months of pregnancy, the virus can affect the fetus and cause severe birth defects or even fetal death.
Impact on the Next Generation
Rubella is a serious illness for pregnant women. If a pregnant woman is infected with rubella during the first three months of pregnancy, the virus can pass through the placenta and affect the fetus, causing severe birth defects such as deafness, blindness, heart defects, intellectual disability, or even fetal death. The susceptibility to rubella of women of childbearing age without immunity is estimated to be 10%-25%.
If a pregnant woman suspects that she has contracted rubella in the early stages of pregnancy, she can undergo a blood test to determine whether she has been infected. If confirmed, she should consult a doctor to decide whether to continue the pregnancy.
Preparation Before Pregnancy
Women who have never had rubella or are unsure if they have immunity, and who plan to have children in the future, can undergo blood and physical examinations before pregnancy. If they are found to have no rubella antibodies, they should receive a vaccine injection to protect the health of the next generation.
Rubella Antibody Test (IgG)
The rubella antibody test is a method of measuring the level of rubella antibodies in the blood serum to determine if an individual has sufficient resistance to rubella.
Assessing the body's resistance to rubella: By testing the level of rubella antibodies in the blood serum, an individual's immune status to rubella can be assessed, namely whether they have produced enough antibodies to fight the rubella virus.
Determining the need for booster vaccinations: Test results can serve as a reference for booster vaccinations.
Protecting the health of family and friends: By knowing one's rubella antibody status, it can ensure that they do not become a source of rubella infection and protect the health of family, friends, and other contacts.
1. People who preparing for marriage, planning to become pregnant, or are already pregnant.
2. People who enter the healthcare profession.
3. New immigrants or foreign workers.
4. People who have not received the measles vaccine or have never had measles.
5. Children who have not received the measles vaccine or have not completed the vaccination schedule.
6. Individuals with compromised immune responses due to certain diseases or medications.
7. These individuals can benefit from measles antibody testing to assess their immunity status and make informed decisions regarding vaccination and preventive measures.