• Sweden edition
Science & Technology

Rubella blamed for Swedish infant's defects

Published: 23 Dec 11 09:41 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/38118/20111223/

Sweden's first case of congenital rubella in more 30 years has been discovered after a woman who was infected with the viral disease whilst on holiday gave birth to a child in Sweden with severe birth defects.

Since vaccination began in the 1970s rubella has all but disappeared in Sweden.

But a 22-year-old woman who lives in Halland, in southern Sweden, but was born in a country where vaccination against the disease is rare, caught the disease while visiting her home country during the early stages of her pregnancy, according to the local Hallands-Posten newspaper.

It is well known that rubella can cause birth defects. The viral infectious disease often has mild symptoms, with a spreading rash and sometimes a fever.

However, the major issue with the disease is that those infected whilst pregnant have a high risk of suffering a miscarriage, or giving birth to a child with birth defects.

The woman's child was born prematurely and with a number of defects, including problems with its eyes, ears, and heart.

"This case shows that we need to improve our screening of the people who come here from other countries, where the vaccination programmes aren't as built out as ours," said Maria Löfgren, assistant epidemiologist in Halland, to the newspaper.

Through the Swedish vaccination programme, the risk of infection here is minimal.

TT/Clara Guibourg (news@thelocal.se)

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Your comments about this article:

The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.

11:51 December 23, 2011 by StockholmSam
The woman should have known to ask her doctor about disease risks before travelling abroad while pregnant. Did she not take a health class in gymnasium or högstadiet? Also, her caregivers/doctors/midwife should have been on top of this.
20:37 December 23, 2011 by Douglas Garner
She was visiting her "home country" so it would be less likely to even think of it. We could just as well ask why her doctor here in Sweden did not discuss the risk with her at her initial visit... of course, it may have already been to late. All we can do now is wish for the best interest of the child and that Swedish MD's ask more detailed questions about vaccinations of new immigrants.
09:58 December 24, 2011 by VicTaulic
What is the "home country" of which you speak? Dare not the name be mentioned?
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
Extreme-right sites beat political party pages

Extreme-right sites beat political party pages

Far-right websites in Sweden are receiving so much traffic they were seven times more popular than the established political parties' online portals. READ () »

The Local List
Top ten ways you know you've turned Swedish

Top ten ways you know you've turned Swedish

For some foreigners living in Sweden, a natural "inner Swede" can develop that often doesn't show its face until you're back home again. The Local's Patrick Reilly lists the top ten ways this inner-Swede can change your life. READ () »

Sweden to sell 'risky' 5.7-percent stake in Nordea

Sweden to sell 'risky' 5.7-percent stake in Nordea

The Swedish government announced on Tuesday that it would be selling off up to 5.7 percent of its stake in Nordic banking giant Nordea, reducing its holding to 7.8 percent. READ () »

Assange is the UK's problem: lawyer

Assange is the UK's problem: lawyer

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is prepared to spend another five years inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, but one Swedish lawyer said on Tuesday that the decision would not affect the Swedish case. READ () »

Male nurse dons dress in shorts shortage rage

Male nurse dons dress in shorts shortage rage

A male Swedish nurse has donned a dress to protest the lack of shorts at a hospital in southern Sweden, saying he had to fight the small battles for gender equality in the workplace. READ () »

Transport chaos threatens Midsummer

Transport chaos threatens Midsummer

A public transport strike appears likely to kick off on Wednesday night after unions and state-transport heads failed to agree on workers' pay and conditions after three days of discussions. READ () »

Puppy smuggling shows no signs of abating

Puppy smuggling shows no signs of abating

Almost 2,000 puppies are smuggled illegally to Sweden every year, new statistics reveal, putting Sweden at risk of rabies while endangering the life and health of the trendy dogs. READ () »

Train driver slams beggar on loudspeaker

Train driver slams beggar on loudspeaker

A Swedish train driver has been criticized for using the loudspeaker to warn passengers about a beggar on board a Stockholm commuter train, and encouraging them to save their money and rip up the beggar's papers. READ () »

More Science & Technology

 

Find a new job in Sweden now
18/06 Accounting Specialist
Hays
Katowice, SLA
18/06 Agency General Manager ? Scandinavia
Göteborg
18/06 C++ Developer
Stockholm
18/06 Chemical Plant Manager
The Valspar
Hendrik Ido Ambacht (NL)
18/06 Cloud Architect
Capgemini Sverige AB
Malmö, SKÅ
18/06 Compliance Manager - Nordics
Ace European Group Ltd
Stockholm

ALL JOBS »


 

 

Highlights
fastighetsbyrån.se Elodie Pradet/The Local File photo: AP File photo: Scanpix Private Göran Höglund/Flickr Finest.se Scanpix Ann Törnkvist Stefan Larsson Private DoToday Scanpix, C More The Local Finest.se Facebook The Local Scanpix Ann Törnkvist/The Local Henrik Montgomery/Scanpix CDC/Wikipedia (File) kristja/sxc.hu (File) Gary Krarper/Wikipedia (File) Fastighetsbyrån Swedish expats use book club to survive London Finest.se Sergei Grits Silence/WikiCommons Oliver Gee Oliver Gee Scanpix veidekke/Flickr The Local launches Italy's news in English Eddie Gee David V. Hughes

 

Latest news from The Local in Germany

More news from Germany at thelocal.de

Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »


Blog Update: Stripes News

13 June 22:03

This weeks results..week 24/25 »

"A weekend full of surprises and LFC football. Results look like this: Div 5 Men won 4-2, K1 lost 5-0, K2 won 2-1, Vets lost 3-2, R1 lost 4-1. Korpen Ladies play Monday night and on the 26th the Div5 Men close the first half season with the last match before the summer kicks in. /LFC " READ »

The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Trade binary options
Create an account with Banc De Binary, the world’s most reputable binary options firm, and start cashing in today! You can start by practicing with our free $50,000 demo account.
www.bbinary.com
Therapy in English
Expat counsellor & talk therapist offers counselling for stress, relationship issues, sexuality, culture adjustment & life coaching. Private & confidential. Stockholm or Skype. Contact me today! 08-559 22 636 or
CLICK HERE