MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed concern over the rise of rubella (German measles) cases in the Philippines, which has reached almost a hundred since the start of the year.

In 2009, the DOH recorded some 600 cases of German measles in the country.

German measles is a relatively mild illness, but mothers-to-be should prevent contracting the disease during the first three months of their pregnancy as it may cause birth deformities to their babies.

Specifically, German measles can cause babies to be born with cataracts, deafness, heart defects, and mental retardation. Worse, the disease may cause the pregnancy to end in a miscarriage.

Here are some symptoms of German measles:

• swollen glands behind the ears and at the back of the neck
• spotty pink-red rashes
• fever
• sore red eyes
• joint pains such as mild arthritis