Austin Public Health Reports First Case of Rubella Found in Travis County Since 1999

In a press release sent out on Jan. 16, Austin Public Health officials announced they are investigating a confirmed rubella case, the first case of its kind in Travis County since 1999.

The cases marks the second vaccine-preventable disease seen within a month after health officials in December confirmed the first case of measles had been diagnosed in Travis County in 20 years. Nationwide, less than 10 cases of rubella are confirmed annually, most of which are associated with international travel.

Though rubella is less contagious than measles, the virus presents similar symptoms and is contracted the same way – mainly through droplets spread by a sick person’s nose and mouth when they cough, sneeze, or talk. It’s also spread through touching virus-contaminated objects, such as doorknobs. Symptoms to watch out for include a red rash, low-grade fever, headache, mild pink eye, swollen lymph nodes, cough, or a runny nose; health officials advise individuals who experience any of these symptoms to remain at home and contact their medical provider.

Rubella is covered by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children should first receive in an initial dose between 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages 4-6.

According to the press release, Austin/Travis County has a relatively high vaccination rate; however, pockets of communities that opt out of vaccinations destabilize herd immunity, or a form of immunity that occurs when a large percentage of the population (or herd) who’ve been vaccinated provide a measure of protection for those who haven’t developed immunity.

Children and pregnant women and their unborn child are significantly impacted by rubella. Per state law, unvaccinated children who attend school with an infected child are required to stay home for 21 days following contact. Unvaccinated pregnant women have a high risk of congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to several birth defects, including deafness, cataracts, and intellectual disabilities, among others. There is also an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

“Along with the requirement to keep your unvaccinated child home for weeks, there are significant health risks to being exposed to rubella,” said interim head of Austin Public Health Dr. Mark Escott in the press release. “Please, check if you and your family are up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent the comeback of these previously eliminated diseases.”

For more information and updates, visit www.austintexas.gov/mmr.