Nearly 2,300 rubella cases were reported last year (to Dec 25), down from the 2,946 recorded in 2018, and the burden of infections remains high among men - in fact, more than three times higher than in women. Prefectures recording most cases for 2019 (to week 51) were in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama. Read more
Advice for travellers
Rubella is spread by airborne droplets and can cause serious birth defects if infection occurs during early pregnancy. Rubella is the 'R' component in the triple MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, one of the routine immunisations used here which should be current prior to overseas travel. Travellers should also check their immunisation status for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Read more about rubella.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.