Which virus is commonly associated with the blueberry muffin rash in newborns?

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The blueberry muffin rash in newborns is commonly associated with the rubella virus. This distinctive rash is characterized by blue or purple lesions that resemble blueberries and is due to extramedullary hematopoiesis from rubella infection during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman contracts rubella, particularly in the first trimester, it can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, which can manifest in newborns with a variety of symptoms, including this specific rash, persistent patent ductus arteriosus, cataracts, and hearing defects. The presence of the blueberry muffin rash serves as a clinical clue that indicates a potential underlying viral infection, notably rubella, which is crucial for diagnosis and management in affected infants.

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