Rubella - The Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment
Rubella is a viral infection that is accompanied by rash and fever which lasts for about three days. It is commonly known as German measles or three-day measles. Although the infection is mild, it can pose a threat to a developing fetus. The virus is an ribonucleic acid or RNA that is from the Togaviridae family of viruses. The virus manifests in the respiratory system as mucus in the nose and throat, and can be transmitted from one individual to another through sneezing and coughing. Anyone who comes in contact with an infected person are at risk of being infected by rubella.
The virus is known to multiply within the cells at the back of the throat and nose. It spreads into the bloodstream and lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The incubation period is about a fortnight. The infection is said to be most contagious a week before the onset of the rash and lasts for another seven days after the rash. Even asymptomatic patients can spread the virus.
Of the people that develop rubella, the most common symptoms are mild fever, swollen lymph glands especially behind the ears and neck, joint paint, fatigue, rash, headaches, and inflammation of the eyes. Most often a diagnosis can be done on the basis of a physical examination and a person's symptoms. Other medical conditions with similar symptoms to rubella are measles, scarlet fever, and syphilis, to name a few.
Antibiotics are rendered ineffective against viruses and are therefore not administered to rubella patients. The infection is usually mild and requires nothing more than bed rest, plenty of fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control fever and pain.
Pregnant women are more at risk of spreading the infection to the fetus which can cause serious birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. These defects include mental retardation, deafness, cataracts, and damage to the liver and spleen. The incidence of birth defects is highest amongst women in their first trimester.
Rubella can be prevented with the help of the MMR or measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, a combination vaccine. It can also be given as an individual vaccine. A major epidemic of congenital rubella syndrome in the US in 1964-65, led to the development of the MMR vaccine in 1969. Every year there are a decreasing number of reported cases as compared to the pre-vaccine era. Children are said to have benefited more by the vaccine with a fewer number of cases being reported as compared to adults.
The side effects of the MMR vaccine include a mild rash, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Most people show a great tolerance to the vaccine with many symptoms going unnoticed. These side effects require little of no treatment. Common side effects are joint pain found mainly in teenage and adult women, fever, and mild rash. Any unusually high fever, seizures, and low platelet counts must be reported to your physician immediately. Unusual behavior of your which may include persistent crying will require the attention of your physician or pediatrician as well.
