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Rubella: Symptoms, Causes, Spread, Treatment, and Risks
What is Rubella (German Measles)?
Rubella is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects the skin, lymph nodes, and joints. It is caused by the Rubella virus (RuV).
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of rubella include:
- Mild fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pink or red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body
- Aching joints
- Headache
- Runny nose or congestion
Causes
Rubella is caused by the Rubella virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person. These droplets can be released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Spread
Rubella is highly contagious and can spread easily among individuals who are not immune to the virus. It is most commonly transmitted:
- Through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person
- By touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for rubella. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
- Rest
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Antihistamines to relieve itching
Risks
Rubella can cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women and unborn babies. In pregnant women, rubella can lead to:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause a range of birth defects, including hearing loss, cataracts, heart defects, and intellectual disability
Prevention
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent rubella. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is recommended that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, one at 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years of age.
Conclusion
Rubella is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women and unborn babies. Vaccination is the best way to prevent rubella and its associated risks.