The confirmed cases are from localities within Honiara.

Rubella, also known as German measles, is not life-threatening for children but is dangerous for pregnant women.

At a press conference in Honiara, Under Secretary Health Improvement Dr Cedric Alependava said being infected with rubella could result in birth defects and even death for a pregnant woman's unborn child.

Dr Alependava urges couples to take their children or themselves to the nearest clinic should they display any of the following symptoms.

. Mild fever
. Headache
. Stuffy or runny nose
. Inflamed, red eyes
. Enlarged, tender lymph nodes at the base of the skull, the back of the neck and behind the ears
. A fine, pink rash that begins on the face and quickly spreads to the trunk and then the arms and legs, before disappearing in the same sequence
. Aching joints, especially in young women.

Dr Alependava says that the signs and symptoms of rubella are often so mild that they are difficult to notice, especially in children. If signs and symptoms do occur, they generally appear between two and three weeks after exposure to the virus. They typically last about two to three days.