Rubella (German Measles)

Symptoms

Rubella is a viral disease with a mild fever (not always present) and a pinkish-red rash which starts on the face and around the ears and quickly spreads to the rest of the body. The rash varies in appearance and often resembles red measles or scarlet fever. Almost always, the glands at the back of the neck are enlarged and tender and sometimes, those below the ears are larger than normal.

Diagnosis

Rubella should be diagnosed by a physician and confirmed by a blood test. Rubella is a reportable disease.

Mode of transmission

Rubella is spread by droplets, through direct contact with someone infected with rubella or contact with secretions from their nose or throat. Infants with congenital rubella syndrome (rubella passed to the baby during pregnancy) shed large amounts of virus in their pharyngeal secretions and urine.

Period of incubation

The incubation period for rubella is 14 to 21 days, usually 18 days.

Period of communicability

Rubella is highly contagious, for about 1 week before and at least 4 days after the appearance of the rash.

Exclusion from school

Children with rubella should stay home from school for 7 days after the onset of the rash.

Prevention

Immunization is available for all susceptible people. One dose of the vaccine is given on or after the first birthday, usually combined with measles and mumps. A second dose is given between the ages of 4 to 6 years old along with the measles and mumps vaccine.

Individuals should be encouraged to establish their immunity status before becoming pregnant. Getting immunized against rubella is important because rubella acquired during pregnancy can produce anomalies in the developing fetus. The rubella vaccine should not be given to pregnant individuals. Individuals who have gone through puberty should be asked if they are pregnant before receiving the vaccine. Pregnant individuals who have come into contact with a person with rubella should contact their physician as soon as possible as infection during pregnancy can pose serious risk for the baby.