Rubella & Infectious diseases. If, you work at a school or child care setting and in the early months of pregnancy you are advised by an approved medical practitioner that you should be absent because of the risk of rubella, or any other infectious disease that may pose a risk to an unborn baby, you will be granted leave with full pay, provided that you have not unreasonably refused work in another setting where there is no risk of infection. Rubella is an infectious disease which, if contracted in early pregnancy, can cause serious damage to the unborn child. Chickenpox can also affect the pregnancy of a person who has not previously had the disease and it can be more severe in pregnant than in non-pregnant person. Slapped cheek disease (Parvovirus) is transmitted via respiratory secretions and can occasionally affect an unborn child. If a pregnant employee knows she has been exposed, she should inform her GP, or the provider of her ante-natal care. For more information please visit NHS England.
