Rubella, also known as German measles, is spreading rapidly. It is feared that the contagious disease, which is rampant in the Tokyo and Kansai regions, will become pandemic throughout the country.
The greatest problem is that mothers-to-be infected by the rubella virus may give birth to babies with congenital defects. It is important for women who have a chance of becoming pregnant to get vaccinated, as well as those people who have contact with pregnant women who aren't vaccinated.
Pregnant women cannot be vaccinated because it could cause congenital defects in their babies.