Rubella
Rubella or German measles
is a highly contagious viral disease occurring mainly in childhood, but also can
occur in adults. The disease is charecterised by pink-red rashes. When an infected
person sneezes or coughs, the virus spreads through droplets of saliva or mucus
inhaled. The symptoms are similar to measles, but it is very mild in effect. It
effects the skin, respiratory system and lymph glands in the neck.
Symptoms
The
incubation period of the disease is 2-3 weeks before the symptoms appear. Symptoms
may be minimal and may not appear at all. Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Shivering
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Swollen
lymph nodes along sides of the neck and below the ears
- Pink - red rashes.
The
disease begins with swelling of the glands in the neck and soon a pink-red rash
appears on the face and later spreads to other parts of the body. This is followed
by mild fever and other symptoms. The rashes are not itchy and usually they disappear
completely after 4-5 days. But the infection is contagious from a week before
the rash appears to seven days after it goes away.
Adverse
effects
German measles is not dangerous for young children
but it can cause high risk to a developing foetus in the early stages (first trimester)
of pregnancy if the mother catches the infection. It can lead to miscarriages,
stillbirth and severe birth defects such as cardiac defects, deafness, mental
impairment and cataract.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
is done usually on the basis of symptoms. The doctors may take blood samples to
confirm the diagnosis so as not to mistake the infection with measles which has
similar symptoms.
Treatment
No
specific treatment is required for this disease. Treatment includes isolation
until three or four after rash disappears plus mild pain killers for pain
and fever and bed rest. Plenty of fluids along with a normal diet is recommended.
Pregnant women should avoid contact with infected persons.
Rubella
can be prevented by immunization. The rubella vaccine is part of the MMR (measles,
mumps, rubella) vaccine series given to children beginning at 12 months of age
and again at 4-6 years. This vaccine gives lifelong immunity against rubella and
an attack of the infection also gives life long immunity. Any women who
has not had the disease in childhood and who is considering pregnancy should be
vaccinated.
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