Rubella

Rubella or German Measles is caused by the rubella virus. It is different from measles in that it primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. In rare cases, rubella can lead to arthritis, encephalitis, myocarditis and thrombocytopenia. Rubella or German measles can have serious repurcussions on a pregnant woman since it affect the developing fetus. It can lead to growth and mental retardation as well as malformation of the eyes and heart.

Rubella manifests in symptoms such as fever and swollen tender lymph nodes. There is rash that appears all over the body. The rashes are light pink patches that last about 3 days. A patient suffering from rubella suffers headache, loss of appetite and runny nose. There might be mild conjunctivitis. Often pain and swelling is noticed in the joints.

A virus culture helps in detecting the type of rubella antibodies in the blood. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce pain and fever. Rubella is usually self-limiting and lasts for about 2- 3 weeks. There is no treatment for this disease. Rubella vaccine is part of the MMR immunization scheduled for children. A second dose is recommended again around 4 - 6 years.

Rubella

Rubella or German Measles is different from measles in that this is caused by the rubella virus. This infection typically strikes at the skin and lymph nodes. When children are infected by rubella, it is generally a mild attack. Rubella is particularly dangerous when it attacks a pregnant woman. The infection can pass through the bloodstream to the fetus. This can result in congenital rubella syndrome in the offspring. This may manifest in growth and mental retardation or malformations. The MMR vaccine is an effective protection against rubella.

The symptoms associated with German measles are mild fever and tender lymph nodes. A rash appears on the face and spreads later to other parts of the body. The rash is pinkish or light red and causes itching. There may be headache, loss of appetite and runny nose. In few patients suffering from rubella, mild conjunctivitis is noticed. Typically the rubella rash lasts 3 days. While children recover faster, adults may take longer.

MMR Vaccine

MMR Vaccine is part of the recommended immunization schedule for children. It protects them against measles, mumps and rubella. While the first dose is given around 12 months, the second MMR vaccine is given around 4 years. There may be mild fever and swollen glands as a reaction to the MMR vaccine. Some children have redness or soreness at the site of the MMR vaccine injection. In rare cases, there is severe allergic to the MMR vaccine. It must not be administered to persons with a known allergy to gelatin or compromised immune system. Pregnant women must never be given an MMR vaccine.