The rubella virus causes rubella, also known as German measles. Although it is usually a mild illness, it poses serious risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies. We explore rubella's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention here.
Causes
It is caused by the rubella virus, which is transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Rubella is highly contagious, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, and it can spread rapidly in communities, schools, and healthcare settings as a result of coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of rubella vary depending on the individual's age, immune status, and overall health.
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Fever of mild severity
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Having a headache
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Throat infection
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Nose congestion or runny nose
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A reddish-pink rash that appears on the face and spreads to the trunk and limbs
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The lymph nodes behind the ears and at the base of the skull are swollen
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Young adults with joint pain or arthritis
It is possible for rubella infected individuals to experience no symptoms at all or only mild ones that are similar to a cold or flu.
Diagnosis
Rubella is diagnosed by combining medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Diagnostic procedures include:
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A healthcare provider will ask about recent exposure to rubella or symptoms suggesting rubella infection.
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Examine the patient's skin, lymph nodes, and other symptoms to identify characteristics of rubella, such as a distinctive rash.
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Rubella-specific antibodies or genetic material from the rubella virus can be detected in the blood through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or polymerase chain reactions (PCR).
Treatment
As rubella usually resolves on its own without specific antiviral medications, treatment typically aims to relieve symptoms. Treatment options include:
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Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest will support the immune system and facilitate rubella recovery.
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Rubella symptoms may be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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In individuals with rubella, especially children and adolescents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious complication.
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To prevent the spread of rubella, individuals with rubella should avoid close contact with others, especially pregnant women.
Prevention
Rubella prevention involves vaccination and infection control measures. Prevention strategies include:
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Infection with rubella can be prevented with routine childhood vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are usually administered, one at 12-15 months of age and one at 4-6 years of age.
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The vaccination of susceptible individuals can prevent outbreaks and prevent rubella-related complications in pregnancy, including adolescents, adults, and women of childbearing age who are not immune to rubella.
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Practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can reduce the risk of rubella transmission.
