Santo Domingo.- Each year, in the country some 1,150 children affected by blindness, deafness and heart disease are born in the Dominican Republic, because their mothers did not get proper prenatal care during pregnancy, and were affected by rubella. 

This illness, commonly known as German measles, is particular in that many a time, it shows no symptoms, but those carrying it are transmitters of a disease that entails grave consequences during pregnancies. 

In order to reduce congenital deformities among the national newborn population, the country prepares for a campaign to eradicate rubella as of next Monday, when a massive vaccination program begins to cover some 5.1 million men and women between the ages of seven and 39 years of age, excepting pregnant females. 

Rubella is a viral disease transmitted through the respiratory track, and is characterized by multiple red pointy dots that take over the face and descend downward to the neck, thorax and the rest of the human body.  A slight fever, swollen ganglia, pain at the joints and a general downward feeling are other symptoms. 

Immunizations Program (PAI) director Zacarias Garib said that the vaccination campaign will extend through December this year, and will target general public working at firms, factories and industries, as well as other work places. 

Health personnel will apply the double-viral vaccine, which, by a single shot, immunizes against chickenpox and measles.