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Virus Reference and Surveillance Laboratory (VRSL)

Rubella Virus (German Measles)

Clinical Virology Program

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Transmission electron micrograph of rubella virus

Transmission electron micrograph of rubella virus
Micrograph courtesy of Dr. Erskine Palmer, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Image Library, 1981

Contact Information

Lab Director:
Kirsten St. George M.App.Sc., Ph.D.
(518) 869-4520

Cell-Based Testing Supervisor:
Kim Rush-Wilson
(518) 869-4559

Molecular Testing Supervisor:
Meghan Fuschino, M.S.
(518) 869-4559

Certification Information

CLIA # 33D0654341
PFI # 1067
WHO Collaborating Laboratory
Disease:
  • Mild disease presenting with rash, fever, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes
  • Congenital infection may result in sponataneous abortion or severe malformation
Transmission:
  • Inhalation of virus-containing aerosols, maternal-fetal infection can occur
Vaccination:
  • Available
Age Association:
  • Young children, usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 yrs
Geographic Distribution:
  • Worldwide
Seasonal Distribution:
  • Temperate climates: spring/early summer
Preferred Specimens:
  • Urine, throat swab, nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate, oropharyngeal swab, bronchial wash. Blood or stool is also acceptable.
Collection and Shipping:
Test Methods: Culture:
  • Conventional tube culture
  • Challenge assay with Coxsackie A9
Links of Interest: