Rubella is also known as German measles. It is a disease caused by the Rubella virus. It is a mild childhood illness that poses a serious threat to the fetus (unborn baby), if the mother contracts the illness during pregnancy. It is characterized by rash, swollen glands and especially in adults, joint pain. It is estimated that each and every year there are 700000 deaths due to CRS.

Causes

Rubella is a viral infection, caused by the rubella virus. This virus is spread through the air or by close contact. The rubella virus is found in the noses and throats of infected people. Direct contact with these secretions or exposure to the cough or sneeze of an infected person can spread the disease. It is found worldwide. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. A person with rubella is contagious from one week before the onset of the rash until about one to two weeks after the rash disappears. The disease is less contagious than rubeola (measles). Lifelong immunity to the disease follows infection, and there is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent rubella.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of rubella are a mild rash, swollen and tender glands (especially behind the ear and at the back of the head), and a slight fever. Common symptoms are -

Low-grade fever (102 F or lower)

Headache

General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)

Runny nose

Inflammation of the eyes (bloodshot eyes)

Rash with skin redness or inflammation

Muscle or joint pain

Encephalitis (rare)

Bruising (from low platelet count, rare)

Treatment

Once you have had rubella it is very rare to catch it again. This is because the immune system makes antibodies during the infection to clear the virus, and this provides lifelong immunity.

There is no specific antiviral agent that can be used against rubella. Simple analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) may be used. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can be given to children and adults for fever. Rubella can be confirmed with a simple blood test. Rubella is infectious from seven days before the rash has appeared until about four days after.

If you contract rubella while you're pregnant, discuss the risks to your baby with your doctor. If you wish to continue your pregnancy, you may be given antibodies called hyperimmune globulin that can fight off the infection.

All children should be vaccinated against rubella. Widespread vaccination of children helps prevent the spread of this illness to others, especially pregnant women. The first vaccine dose is routinely given at 12 to 15 months of age. The child should not receive the first dose of MMR before 12 months of age. A second dose of MMR is given at age 4 to 6 years. Vaccination of teenage or adult groups in colleges, workplaces, hospitals (staff and volunteers) or military bases helps prevent outbreaks in those areas.