A Prolonged Period of Contagion
The rubella virus has a long incubation period, typically taking 14 to 23 days for symptoms to manifest. This means that individuals can unknowingly spread the virus for two to three weeks before realizing they are infected. Moreover, even after the rash subsides, infected individuals can continue to be contagious for up to two weeks.
Before the Rubella Vaccine
In the United States, the most significant outbreak of rubella took place between 1964 and 1965. Prior to the development of the rubella vaccine in 1969, this contagious disease was prevalent, particularly among children aged five to nine. However, the more alarming issue was the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome, which resulted in an elevated risk of miscarriage.