Congenital rubella infection (CRI) occurs when a fetus contracts the rubella virus via maternal-fetal transmission. It can result in various outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infection to congenital defects to miscarriage and fetal death. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) refers to a congenital rubella infection that results in various presentations of birth anomalies. If infection occurs 0–11 weeks after conception, the infant has a 90% risk of being affected. If the infection occurs 12–20 weeks after conception, the risk is 20%. Infants are not generally affected if rubella is contracted during the third trimester. Congenital rubella syndrome was discovered in 1941 by Australian Norman McAlister Gregg.

The most common congenital defects affect the ophthalmologic, cardiac, auditory, and neurologic systems. Diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome is made through a series of clinical and laboratory findings and management is based on the infant’s clinical presentation. Maintaining rubella outbreak control via vaccination is essential in preventing congenital rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome.