Question

Given below are two statements : Statement I : The classic triad of congenital defects in “Congenital Rubella Syndrome” are deafness, cardiac malformations and cataracts. Statement II : The Rubella vaccine should be given to every pregnant woman during early pregnancy. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are true} \)
• B. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are false} \)
• C. \( \text{Statement I is true but Statement II is false} \)
• D. \( \text{Statement I is false but Statement II is true} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Public Health: Rubella and Vaccination.} Remember the classic triad of Congenital Rubella Syndrome and the contraindication of live vaccines like rubella during pregnancy. Pre-conception vaccination is crucial for preventing CRS.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's analyze each statement regarding Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Rubella vaccination during pregnancy: Statement I: The classic triad of congenital defects in “Congenital Rubella Syndrome” are deafness, cardiac malformations and cataracts. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) occurs when a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, and the infection is transmitted to the developing fetus. The classic triad of congenital defects associated with CRS is indeed deafness, cardiac malformations (especially patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary artery stenosis), and cataracts. Therefore, Statement I is true. Statement II: The Rubella vaccine should be given to every pregnant woman during early pregnancy. The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of fetal infection. Vaccination should ideally be given to women before they become pregnant, and women of childbearing age should be advised to avoid pregnancy for at least one month after receiving the rubella vaccine. If a non-immune pregnant woman is exposed to rubella, post-exposure prophylaxis with rubella immunoglobulin may be considered. Therefore, Statement II is false. In conclusion, Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.