Residents of the United States no longer develop rubella (German measles) or pass it along to others, according to a recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, health care providers should continue to vaccinate children against rubella because they may be exposed to the virus by visitors or immigrants from other nations, including Mexico.

Rubella, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects, is most hazardous when women contract it in their first trimester of pregnancy.

For more information, visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov.