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What is Rubella and how is it contracted?

Rubella, commonly known as German measles or 3 day measles, is caused by the rubella virus transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that are spread by others breathing in the air or by close contact. It results in a rash, low grade fever, headache, swollen glands in the back of the neck or behind the ears, malaise, runny nose, muscle or joint pain, inflammation of the eyes (bloodshot eyes), bruising (rare; resulting from a low platelet count). The rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward on the body, can itch and last up to 3 days. Individuals are most contagious from one week prior to the onset of the rash to one week after the rash appears. A pregnant woman with an active case of rubella, can transmit the disease to her unborn child. Defects are most likely if the fetus becomes infected in the first trimester of pregnancy and can result in one or more of the following: deafness, cataracts, microcephaly, mental retardation, congenital heart defects as well as others.

How Rubella can affect pregnant women?

When acquired during pregnancy, rubella virus can lead to fetal demise, cataracts, malformation, deafness, and mental retardation. For this reason the federal government and many states support programs to immunize women against rubella before they have children. There has been a resurgence of congenital rubella since the early 1990s and more widespread rubella serology is recommended.

The role of serologic testing for antibodies to rubella is different in different clinical settings. The simplest and most straight forward application is in assessment of immunity. This test can also be used to determine recent or active rubella infection.

What are the Symptoms?

Methodology:

02/09