THE rubella virus is the leading cause of birth defects.
This was highlighted by Ministry of Health and Medical Service’s national adviser for family health Dr Torika Tamani, who said when pregnant women became infected particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy, there was a 90 per cent chance of the baby contracting the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
“There is no specific treatment for measles or rubella. However, it can be prevented by the vaccine which is safe and effective. Vaccines are a safe and effective means to provide the best protection to your population’s health,” Dr Tamani said.
She said the ministry was committed to eliminating the disease by ensuring nationwide use of this vaccine.
“Eliminating measles and rubella means reaching every child to protect them against both diseases including the poor and the marginalised. This is why we are committed to working together across all 19 divisions of Fiji,” she said.
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