Rubella German Measles
Definition
Rubella, commonly known as German Measles, is a contagious viral illness caused by the Rubella virus. It is characterized by a red rash on the skin, low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Rubella is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Rubella include:
- Red or pink rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
- Mild fever
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes, especially behind the ears and in the neck
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Congestion
- Mild eye redness and itching
Complications
Rubella infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences for the developing fetus. It can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or various birth defects including deafness, blindness, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. Other complications of Rubella include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), arthritis (joint inflammation), and bleeding disorders.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Rubella. Most cases resolve on their own within a week or two. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus. Vaccination with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent Rubella infection.