Rubella is an acute exanthematous infectious disease caused by a RNA virus of the genus Rubivirus of the family Togaviridae. It manifests as a rash similar to those of measles or scarlet fever, diseases from which it may be clinically indistinguishable. It is generally a mild disease but becomes dangerous if contracted during pregnancy because it can lead to miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, or severe congenital abnormalities.
In Italy, rubella is a compulsorily notifiable disease. A physician who suspects a case of rubella must notify the referring health authority by phone, fax, or email within 12 hours of suspicion.
