Where Does Rubella Exist

Rubella is no longer endemic (constantly present) in the United States. However, rubella remains a problem in other parts of the world. It can still be brought into the U.S. by people who get infected in other countries.

Where is the rubella virus most common?

Reported rubella cases declined 97%, from 670 894 cases in 102 countries in 2000 to 14 621 cases in 151 countries in 2018. CRS rates are highest in the WHO African and South-East Asian regions where vaccination coverage is lowest.

How does the rubella virus grow?

Rubella virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Once the oral or nasopharyngeal mucosae have been infected, viral replication occurs in the upper respiratory tract and nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue. The virus then spreads contiguously to regional lymph nodes and hematogenously to distant sites.