What is Congenital rubella syndrome?

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a major complication of rubella infection. Rubella infection is caused by a togavirus of the genus rubivirus and it is usually a mild viral infection. The disease is characterized by a transient, mild maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, coryza (running nose), enlarged cervical lymph nodes, low-grade fever and nausea. Up to 50% of rubella infections are subclinical. Rubella infection in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or intra-uterine foetal death. If the pregnancy carries on till delivery, the baby can present with CRS which is a combination of birth defects.