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Rubella

DEFINITION:

A viral illness with specific symptoms, also known as German measles or 3-day measles.

SYMPTOMS:

Congestion and runny nose, followed by swelling of the glands behind the ear and on the back of the neck. Following this, a rash develops on the face and then progresses to the whole body. This rash will usually last 3 days.

CAUSES:

A virus.

CONTAGION:

This illness is contagious through the course of the illness. The incubation period is 14-21 days.

DIAGNOSIS:

Usually made by the symptoms of the child. A blood test can be check to confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT AND DISCUSSION:

Rubella rarely occurs now due to vaccination. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing). It can also be transmitted to a fetus through the placenta, causing birth defects. The incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks. The first symptom is congestion and runny nose followed by swelling of the glands behind the ear and on the back of the neck. Sometimes small red spots appear inside the mouth called Forcheimer spots. After this, the rash develops. It usually starts on the face and progresses to the body. The rash is maculopapular, meaning it consists of large and small red spots. The rash usually lasts 3 days.

The most important complication occurs when a pregnant woman contracts the illness during the first trimester. Congenital rubella syndrome occurs in the child. This syndrome includes defects of almost every organ of the body. Children can become blind, deaf; have heart defects, liver problems, neurologic problems, bone anomalies and developmental delays. There is no specific treatment for this. The best way to avoid Rubella is through vaccination. The vaccine is given as the measles, mumps rubella vaccine, (MMR), at 1 year of age, and a booster dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age, although the second dose can be given any time during childhood as long as one month has passed since the first vaccine. The vaccine is 95% effective. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women, nor should women become pregnant for at least three months after receiving the vaccine. A woman found to be susceptible during pregnancy should receive the vaccine shortly after the child is born.

OUTCOME:

Usually good. Rarely, a complication such as encephalitis, or brain swelling, occurs. For these children, 20% will not survive. Congenital rubella, or rubella in a fetus, can be devastating.

ONE DOCTOR'S OPINION:

Vaccination is so important to prevent this illness. If a child is born with congenital rubella, it is a life-long problem. Contracting rubella as a child is generally harmless, but it can have some serious complications. Vaccination is the only way to prevent this illness.