Rubella commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph

ph nodes. It is caused by the rubella virus (not the same virus that causes measles), which is usually transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that others breathe in. It can also pass through a pregnant woman's bloodstream to infect her unborn child. It's a generally mild disease in children; the primary medical danger of rubella is the infection of pregnant women because it can cause congenital rubella syndrome in developing babies. Before a vaccine against rubella became available in 1969, rubella epidemics occurred every 6-9 years, most often among kids 5 to 9 years old. Many cases of congenital rubella occurred as well. Thanks to immunization, there are far fewer cases of rubella and congenital rubella. Most rubella infections today appear in young, non-immunized adults rather than in kids. In fact, experts estimate that 10% of young adults are currently susceptible to rubella, which could pose a danger to children they might have someday. Signs and Symptoms Rubella infection may begin with 1-2 days of mild fever (99-100F, 37.2-37.8C) and swollen, tender lymph nodes, usually in the back of the neck or behind the ears. A rash then begins on the face and spreads downward. As it spreads, it usually clears on the face. This rash is often the first sign of illness that a parent notices. The rubella rash can look like many other viral rashes. It appears as either pink or light red spots, which may merge to form evenly colored patches. The rash can itch and lasts up to 3 days. As the rash clears, the affected skin occasionally sheds in very fine flakes. Other symptoms of rubella (these are more common in teens and adults) can include headache, loss of appetite, mild conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyeballs), a stuffy or runny nose, swollen lymph nodes in other parts of the body, and pain and swelling in the joints (especially in young women). Many people with rubella have few or no symptoms. Rubella in a pregnant woman can cause congenital rubella syndrome, with potentially devastating consequences for the developing fetus. Children who are infected with rubella before birth are at risk for growth retardation; mental retardation; malformations of the heart and eyes; deafness; and liver, spleen, and bone marrow problems. Contagiousness The rubella virus passes from person to person through tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat. People who have rubella are most contagious from 1 week before to 1 week after the rash appears. Someone who is infected but has no symptoms can still spread the virus. Infants who have congenital rubella syndrome can shed the virus in urine and fluid from the nose and throat for a year or more and may pass the virus to people who have not been immunized. Prevention Rubella can be prevented by the rubella vaccine. Widespread immunization against rubella is critical to controlling the spread of the disease, thereby preventing birth defects caused by congenital rubella syndrome. The vaccine is usually given to children at 12-15 months of age as part of the scheduled measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization. A second dose of MMR is generally given at 4-6 years of age. As is the case with all immunization schedules, there are important exceptions and special circumstances. For example, if your child will be traveling outside the United States, the vaccine can be given as early as 6 months of age. Talk to your childs doctor to see when the vaccine is needed. The rubella vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or to a woman who may become pregnant within 1 month of receiving the vaccine. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, make sure that you're immune to rubella through a blood test or proof of immunization. If you're not immune, you should receive the vaccine at least 1 month before you become pregnant. Pregnant women who are not immune should avoid anyone who has the illness and should be vaccinated after delivery so that they will be immune during any future pregnancies. Incubation The incubation period for rubella is 14-23 days, with an average incubation period of 16-18 days. This means that it can take 2-3 weeks for a child to get rubella after they are exposed to someone with the disease.

Duration The rubella rash usually lasts 3 days. Lymph nodes may remain swollen for a week or more, and joint pain can last for more than 2 weeks. Children who have rubella usually recover within 1 week, but adults may take longer. Treatment Rubella cannot be treated with antibiotics because they do not work against viral infections. Unless there are complications, rubella will resolve on its own. Any pregnant woman who has been exposed to rubella should contact her obstetrician immediately. Rubella is typically mild in kids, who often can be cared for at home. Monitor your child's temperature and call the doctor if the fever climbs too high. To relieve minor discomfort, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to a child with a viral illness because such use has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome, which can lead to liver failure and death. When to Call the Doctor Call the doctor if your child develops a fever of 102F (38.9C) or above (in a child younger than 6 months, call for a fever above 100.4F, or 38C), or if your child appears to be getting sicker than the mild course of symptoms described above. Overview German measles, also called rubella, is a rare condition in the United States. With the introduction of the rubella vaccine in the late 1960s, the incidence of German measles has significantly declined. But the disease does still exist in other parts of the world. German measles is rarely threatening, but pregnant women and fetuses can suffer adverse complications. What Causes German Measles (Rubella)? German measles (rubella) is caused by a highly contagious virus. A patient is contagious in the week before the rash outbreak until two weeks after the rash clears. The virus is spread when you inhale or touch secretions from an infected person. The virus may be passed through the bloodstream from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Who Is at Risk? These days, German measles (rubella) is rare in the United States, thanks to vaccines that typically provide lifelong immunity. Most cases occur in immigrants born in countries where German measles is more common. Americans who have recently traveled abroad may cause outbreaks if they catch the virus and bring it home with them. Since the rubella vaccine is given between 12 and 15 months of age, infants and young toddlers who have not received the vaccine are at greater risk of contracting German measles. Because German measles threatens fetuses, many women who become pregnant are given a blood test to confirm immunity. What Are the Symptoms of German Measles (Rubella)? Symptoms often last three to seven days. They may include:

mild fever (under 102 degrees Fahrenheit) runny or stuffy nose headache muscle pain inflamed or red eyes (may develop into conjunctivitis) swollen lymph nodes a pink rash that starts on the face and spreads downward

Although these symptoms may not seem serious, you should notify your doctor if you suspect that you have German measles. Since this condition is a public health threat, cases should be monitored. Your physician will work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine whether your individual case is part of a widespread outbreak. Medical staff will provide instructions to prevent further spread of the virus.

Complications include ear infections and brain swelling. Seek medical care if you notice any of the following during or after a German measles infection:

prolonged headache earache stiff neck

What Is Congenital Rubella Syndrome? If a woman contracts German measles during pregnancy, it can pass to her fetus through her bloodstream. This is called congenital rubella syndrome. Some affected fetuses miscarry or are stillborn. Fetuses that are carried to term may suffer from birth defects, which can include:

delayed growth learning disabilities heart defects deafness poorly functioning organs

Women of childbearing age should have their immunity tested before becoming pregnant. If a shot is needed, it is important to get it at least 28 days before trying to conceive. How Is German Measles (Rubella) Diagnosed and Treated? Since German measles (rubella) appears similar to other viruses that cause rashes, your doctor may confirm your diagnosis with a blood test. The test detects antibodies in your blood, which are present in infected and immune patients. Whether or not you have German measles is determined based on the levels of antibodies. Most cases of German measles are treated at home. Your doctor may recommend that you be isolated from others to prevent the virus from spreading. Pregnant women may be treated with antibodies called hyperimmune globulin that can fight off the infection. This can reduce your symptoms. But your baby may still develop congenital rubella syndrome. An infant born with congenital rubella will require treatment from specialists. How Can I Prevent German Measles (Rubella)? These shots are usually given between 12 and 15 months of age. A booster shot is needed between four and six years of age. Since the vaccines contain small doses of the virus, mild fevers and rashes may result. Side effects occur about in five to 15 percent of children who are vaccinated. They are caused by different viruses. Measles is a much more severe disease. The vast majority of person with measles have fevers, cold symptoms and cough, then a rash lasting 5 - 7 days, with higher fever. The patient feels very sick. Complications include ear infections, pneumonia, croup, diarrhea and even encephalitis. Death occurs in about 1 - 3 per 1000 affected children, especially in those who are frail, malnourished or have decreased immunity. German measles, or Rubella is a milder disease. Most individuals are hardly ill, perhaps with a mild fever, mildly smollen glands and rash lasting about three days. Teen-agers and adults may have joint aches and pains.The great danger with rubella is exposure to the virus during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman develops rubella in early pregnancy, she is at high risk for miscarriage, or having a baby with deafness, congenital heart disease, or mental retardation. Both disease are highly contageous by droplet exposure (sneezes, cough, etc) even before the rash develops. The incubation period, the time from exposure to development of symptoms is 8 - 12 days for measles, 14 - 23 days for rubella. There is no specific cure. BUT, both are preventable by vaccines. Please have your children immunized.

The difference between Rubella and Rubeola is that Rubella is a mild 3-day sickness that rarely causes complications in children while Rubeola is a serious 7-day disease which can lead to ear infection and pneumonia. However, rubella may cause birth deformities if contracted by a pregnant woman. Rubella is also known as German measles while Rubeola is commonly known as the Measles.