Rubella known as German measles

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

This disease is often mild and attacks often pass unnoticed. The disease can last one to three days. Children recover more quickly than adults. Infection of the mother by rubella virus during pregnancy can be serious, if the mother is infected within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the child may be born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which entails a range of serious incurable illnesses. Miscarriage occurs in up to 20% of cases.

Rubella infection, or German measles, is a generally mild disease in kids that can be prevented with vaccination. Its primary medical danger is to pregnant Although it most commonly occurs in young children.

What are the symptoms of rubella?

Rash and fever for two to three days (mild disease in children and young adults).

What are the complications of rubella?

Birth defects if acquired by a pregnant woman: deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental retardation, and liver and spleen damage (at least a 20% chance of damage to the fetus if a woman is infected early in pregnancy).

Does my child need this vaccine?

Children should get 2 doses of MMR vaccine:

• The first dose at 12-15 months of age
• The second dose at 4-6 years of age

These are the recommended ages. But children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

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.