Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person. While usually mild in children and adults, rubella is extremely dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman is infected.

• Symptoms
  • Symptoms develop 14-23 days after exposure and last about 3 days.
  • Mild fever and headache
  • Pink or red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Joint pain, especially in teens and adults
  • Although postnatal rubella is usually mild, congenital rubella can cause severe complications.
• Serious Risks for Pregnant Women
  • Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): If a woman is infected during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, the baby can develop severe birth defects or die in the womb.
  • There is an 85% chance of developing these complications if the mother has rubella during the first trimester, 54% if infected between 13-16 weeks, and 25% by the end of the second trimester.
  • Birth defects include:
    • Deafness
    • Blindness (cataracts)
    • Heart defects
    • Intellectual disabilities
    • Growth retardation
    • Hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen)
    • Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count, leading to bleeding problems)
• No Treatment—Only Prevention
  • The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is the best way to prevent infection and protect unborn babies.
• Before the vaccine, rubella caused widespread outbreaks, leading to thousands of birth defects. Thanks to vaccination, cases are now rare.

 

The MMR Vaccines remain the best protection against Rubella. Stay protected. Stay informed.

Here is a video that goes into more detail about Rubella.