Rubella

Rubella is a contagious infection caused by a virus, which can cause fever, rash, and other symptoms. It is most commonly seen in children, but can also affect adults. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person's saliva, mucus, or droplets from their nose and throat. The most common symptom of rubella is a rash that starts on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Other common symptoms may include a mild fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and red and watery eyes. In some cases, rubella may cause swollen joint pain, joint stiffness, or a temporary decrease in hearing. If you think you or your child may have rubella, it’s important to seek medical advice right away. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests that detect the rubella virus, and it’s important to know if you are infected so that other family members can be monitored and vaccinated if necessary. If caught early, rubella can often be treated with rest and supportive care. Symptoms usually resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. In pregnant women, the risk of complications is much higher. If contracted during the first three months of pregnancy, the virus can cause serious birth defects in the baby, including hearing loss, an abnormally small head, brain damage, and even miscarriage. For those who have not been vaccinated against rubella, there are several available vaccines that can help prevent the disease. It is recommended that all children and adults receive a booster dose of the vaccine at regular intervals, and particularly for those who plan to travel to countries where rubella is a risk.