Some 1,100 people in Vietnam's northern localities have recently been infected with rubella or German measles, a contagious viral infection with mild symptoms associated with a rash, following an outbreak in southern Ho Chi Minh City, local newspaper Youth reported Monday.

The five localities hosting rubella suffers include Hanoi city and the four northern provinces of Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Bac Giang and Vinh Phuc. Nearly 800 people, mostly people living or working in unhygienic conditions, suffered from the disease in Ho Chi Minh City between November 2004 and mid-March.

To deal with the situation, local health agencies are strengthening vaccination among residents, especially women. Now, the Ho Chi Minh City is facing scarcity of rubella vaccines, the report said.

Vietnam reported 350 confirmed cases of rubella infections, and399 suspected cases last year.

Rubella is caused by a virus that is spread through the air or by close contact. It can also be transmitted to a fetus by a mother with an active infection, causing severe disease in the fetus. In children and adults, the disease is usually mild and may even go unnoticed.

Source: Xinhua