What Is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that causes a red rash on the body. In addition to the rash, people with German measles typically have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Contact with droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough can spread the infection from person to person. This means that if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has droplets from an infected person on it, you could get German measles. You can also contract German measles if you share food or drinks with someone who is infected. German measles is usually a mild infection that clears up within a week, even if no treatment is administered, however, it can be dangerous in pregnant women because it can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus. Congenital rubella syndrome can disrupt a baby’s development and result in serious birth defects such as heart defects, deafness, and brain damage. If you are pregnant and suspect you have German measles, it is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. Although this condition is rare in some places, it is still common in many other parts of the world. It primarily affects children, most commonly those aged 5 to 9, but it can also affect adults.

What’s the Difference between Rubella and Measles?

Rubella is also known as “three-day measles” due to the similarity of its symptoms. Rubella symptoms, on the other hand, are less severe than measles symptoms. Here’s how they compare:

• Measles produces a bright red rash, and spots may appear inside the mouth. The rash from rubella is pink and mild.
• Both viruses can be spread by coughing and sneezing.
• Measles has an incubation period of 11–12 days, but it can last up to 21 days. The average duration of rubella is two weeks, but it can range from 12 to 23 days.
• Measles has the potential to be fatal. Rubella is usually only fatal if it occurs during pregnancy.
• A fever of 103–105 degrees Fahrenheit is possible with measles (F). Rubella may cause a mild or low-grade fever.
• Rubella is not as contagious as measles. Measles will infect up to 90% of contacts who are not immune.

What Causes German Measles?

Rubella is caused by a virus, which is spread from person to person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus spreads. Direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as mucus, can also spread it. It can also be transmitted through the bloodstream from pregnant women to their unborn children. A person infected with the rubella virus is contagious for one to two weeks before the rash appears and for another one or two weeks after the rash disappears. An infected person can spread the illness before realizing he or she is infected.

Symptoms of Rubella

German measles symptoms are frequently so mild that they go unnoticed. When symptoms do appear, they usually appear two to three weeks after the initial virus exposure. They typically last three to seven days and may include:

• a pink or red rash that starts on the face and progresses down the body
• a slight temperature, generally under 102°F
• swollen and painful lymph nodes
• a runny or stuffy nose
• headache-muscle soreness
• inflamed or red eyes

Even if these symptoms do not appear to be serious, you should consult your doctor if you suspect you have German measles. This is especially important if you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant.

Complications of Rubella

Rubella is a relatively minor infection. Once you’ve had the disease, you’re usually immune for life. Rubella can cause arthritis in the fingers, wrists, and knees in some women, which usually lasts about a month. Rubella can cause ear infections and brain inflammation in rare cases. If you get rubella while pregnant, the consequences for your unborn child can be severe, and in some cases fatal. The fetus is most at risk during the first trimester, but exposure later in pregnancy is also dangerous. Congenital rubella syndrome affects up to 80% of infants born to mothers who had rubella during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This syndrome can result in one or more of the following issues:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Growth delays
• Cataracts
• Deafness
• Congenital heart defects, particularly pulmonary artery stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus
• Retinopathy (disease of the retina)
• Defects in other organs

Other conditions may develop as the child grows. According to research, these may include autism, schizophrenia, and type 1 diabetes.

How to Prevent German Measles

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent German measles for the vast majority of people. The rubella vaccine is usually employed in combination with vaccines against measles, mumps, and varicella, the virus that causes chicken pox. Doctors recommend that children receive the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and again between the ages of 4 and 6 years, both before starting school. It is especially important for girls to get the vaccine to prevent rubella during future pregnancies. Individuals who are ineligible for or should postpone receiving the MMR vaccine include the following:

• anyone who has had a severe adverse reaction to the MMR vaccine after receiving a dose
• anyone who has experienced a serious adverse reaction to one of the MMR vaccine’s elements
• someone whose immune system has been impaired as a result of cancer therapy, HIV/AIDS, or immunosuppressive medicines
• someone who has a close relative (sibling, parent, or child) with a history of immune system issues.
• anyone who is pregnant or plans to become pregnant within four weeks of having the MMR vaccine
• anyone who has recently undergone a blood transfusion or other blood products
• anyone who has had a condition that causes them to bruise or bleed easily
• someone who is currently infected with TB
• anyone who has had any additional immunizations during the previous four weeks

The vaccine has few side effects. Some people may experience a mild fever and a minor rash following the injection, while others may experience joint aches. It is unusual to have a severe reaction. It is important to note, however, that the risks of not getting vaccinated outweigh the risks of any adverse effects.

How to Diagnose Rubella

Since the symptoms of German measles are similar to those of other viruses that cause rashes, your doctor will confirm your diagnosis with a blood test. This test can detect the presence of various types of rubella antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and destroy pathogens like viruses and bacteria. The results of the test can indicate whether you are infected with the virus or have been immunized against it.

How to Treat Rubella

There is no treatment that will shorten the course of rubella infection, and symptoms are rarely severe enough to warrant treatment. During the infectious period, however, doctors frequently recommend isolation from others, particularly pregnant women. However, when a child or adult is infected with the rubella virus, simple self-care procedures are required, such as bed rest Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for fever and ache relief.

Now that you Know…

Rubella is a virus infection caused by the rubella virus, often known as German measles. Although the symptoms are usually moderate, the illness can be exceedingly deadly if it happens during pregnancy. Headache, fever, runny nose, painful joints, and swollen lymph nodes are all signs of rubella. Rubella symptoms are also comparable to measles symptoms but are less severe. Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best method to avoid contracting rubella (MMR).