What maternal condition can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in infants?

Congenital rubella syndrome in infants is primarily associated with maternal infection during pregnancy, specifically due to the mother being unvaccinated or having been exposed to the rubella virus. When a pregnant woman contracts rubella, particularly in the first trimester, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, leading to a range of severe congenital disabilities, including heart defects, hearing impairments, and developmental delays.

Vaccination against rubella is part of the recommended immunization schedule for women of childbearing age, and ensuring immunity helps to prevent the possibility of maternal infection and its associated risks during pregnancy. Therefore, being unvaccinated or exposed to the rubella virus represents a significant risk factor for congenital rubella syndrome, underscoring the importance of vaccination in preventing this serious outcome in infants.