Rubella outbreak hits state

State health officials say foreign food service workers in Omaha may havestarted a rubella outbreak in the state. There are five confirmed cases and adozen other possible cases be investigated in western and central Iowa. State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk says the disease — sometimes knownas German measles — generally strikes children. She says the disease is most dangerous for pregnant women.She says standard immunizations have kept it under control until now.Quinlisk says the disease is spread by contact with someone who is infected.She says your best defense against Rubella is to be sure you’re vaccinated.Quinlisk says you should check with your doctor to see if you’ve had theproper vaccination against Rubella. If there’s any doubt, she recommendsyou get the shot.