Rubella infection in pregnancy.

It is over 50 years since a syndrome of congenital abnormalities following maternal rubella infection was first recognised. Despite the potentially devastating effects of the congenital rubella syndrome, immunisation rates are not optimal and infections in pregnancy still occur. Four cases of rubella infection occurring in pregnancy are presented. Laboratory diagnosis of primary infection and reinfection is discussed, and the need for full immunisation in childhood, and of women of child-bearing age is reiterated.