Rubella is also known as german measles . It is a contagious and an acute childhood infection which is caused by a virus . Usually it is mild and of short duration ( approximately 3 days ) . It is accompanied by low grade fever , lymphadenopathy and maculopapular rash . Infection in early pregnancy may result in serious congenital defects including death . The disease has a world wide distribution and tends to occur in epidemics in non industrialized population .
CAUSES
It is caused by rubella virus and is transmitted by the nasopharyngeal secretions of the affected person and also from the affected mother to the fetus . If transmitted during the first three months of pregnancy it may result in congenital abnormalities like blindness ( due to cataract and glaucoma ) , deafness and heart defects . In case of severe attack the fetus may die in the womb .
SIGNS
The signs and symptoms appear in 2 to 3 weeks . They include
Low grade fever
Thick nasal secretions
Rash first on the face and then on the arms and legs .
Inflammation of eyes
Joint pain
Weakness of the whole body
TREATMENT
Rubella has no treatment
Rest and paracetamol can be advised
PREVENTION
Try to stay away from the patients
Rubella vaccine is included in the EPI schedule which is given in the 9th month of life , booster dose is given at 25th month of life
Use of rubella vaccination specially before marriage in girls is recommended
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