In the Americas, Rubella’s a Goner

A vaccine-preventable disease has been declared eliminated in North and South America.

In 2009, the last recorded case of rubella was reported in Argentina, according to health officials speaking to The New York Times.

Red eyes, aching joints, a pink rash, swelling and flu-like symptoms characterize rubella, which can be prevented with a vaccine.

When rubella infects pregnant women, it can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and birth defects.

In response to the declaration that rubella was eliminated in the Americas, health officials called the vaccine a breakthrough and credited it with saving countless lives.

The vaccine for rubella was developed in 1969. It makes one part of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.