The degree of contact must be assessed, bearing in mind that a significant contact is defined as face-to-face contact or being the same room with a case for more than 15 minutes, within the previous 3 weeks. All woman should be screened for immunity to rubella early in pregnancy, and if a woman who is not immune is in contact with case and or develops a rash in pregnancy,the Health Protection Unit should be contacted immediately for advice on handling the case.