You probably remember a disease that causes a low-grade fever and small red blisters all over the face and body. Some people also call it 'German measles'. That's what we're going to talk about today, Rubella. At first glance, you might think, 'Oh, this is just a little measles.' However, this is not a disease to be taken lightly, especially if it affects a pregnant mother, as it can be very serious for the baby in the womb . So, let's learn everything about this rubella, shall we?
What is Rubella? Simply put...
Rubella is a contagious disease . It is caused by a virus called `(RuV virus)`. One of the main symptoms of this is a rash on the body. To be precise, these red rashes start on your face and then spread all over your body. This is why some people call it 'German measles' or 'three-day measles' . However, this is not the same as the common measles that we know, but the virus that causes it, the rubella virus, is better. So do not confuse these two diseases.
The most important thing is that if a mother gets rubella during pregnancy, the baby can have serious health problems . We'll talk about that later.
What is Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)?
This is the most dangerous aspect of rubella. `(Congenital Rubella Syndrome)` or `(CRS)` means that when a pregnant mother gets rubella, the virus passes on to the baby in the womb. Imagine, if this disease is passed from mother to baby, the baby can have very serious conditions such as skin problems, hearing loss, vision impairment, heart disease, and problems related to brain development at birth. That is why pregnant mothers should be especially careful about this.
Are rubella and measles the same thing?
No, these are two different diseases . Although the symptoms are similar, these two diseases are caused by two different types of viruses . So it's best not to confuse the two, right?
Who is most affected by rubella? How common is it?
Actually, anyone can get rubella. But as we mentioned earlier, the most severe impact is on babies born to mothers who contract rubella during pregnancy, which is called `(Congenital Rubella Syndrome - CRS)`.
Although we have not officially declared rubella eradicated in Sri Lanka like we have in the United States, the spread of the disease has now decreased significantly due to vaccination. However, rubella is still seen in some countries of the world, especially in countries like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Therefore, it is good to be aware of this if you are traveling abroad.
What are the symptoms of rubella?
The main symptom of rubella is a rash . This usually starts on the face and spreads down the body. In young children, the rash may be the first sign to appear. However, in older children and adults, the rash may not appear until a few days after other symptoms have appeared.
Just think, sometimes up to 50% of people can have rubella without showing any symptoms . But they can still spread the disease to others. That's a bit scary, isn't it?
These are the common symptoms of rubella:
- Red spots (first on the face, then all over the body)
- A slight fever.
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Redness of the eyes (Pink eye / Conjunctivitis)
- Joint pain
- Malaise (malaise)
- Swollen lymph nodes (such as in the neck, armpits)
What causes rubella?
The main cause of rubella is a virus called `(RuV virus)` . Viruses are very small living organisms. They cannot survive on their own. What they do is enter the cells of humans, animals, or plants and use those cells to make more copies of themselves. Simply put, they infect our bodies.
Is rubella contagious? How is it transmitted?
Yes, rubella is a contagious disease . It spreads from person to person through droplets of virus that are released into the air when someone breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus and then touching their nose or mouth.
The most important thing is that it can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby in the womb . Sometimes, someone can spread rubella without having any symptoms.
Typically, rubella is most contagious one week before and one week after the rash appears .
Can adults also get rubella?
Yes, rubella is contagious, so it can be contracted from young children, other adults, or even adults.
What happens if you get rubella during pregnancy?
This is the most important thing we need to pay attention to . If you are pregnant, especially if you get rubella in the first trimester , your baby is at very high risk of developing the condition we talked about earlier, Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
But there's good news! If you get vaccinated against rubella before you get pregnant, you can protect your baby from this condition (CRS).
What does it mean if a rubella test during pregnancy is ``Positive''?
If you have no symptoms, and your doctor does a blood test for rubella before or during pregnancy, they will check to see if you have antibodies against rubella. These antibodies are special proteins that our bodies make when something harmful enters our bodies to fight it.
So, if your rubella antibody test is ``Positive'', it means that you have either had rubella before or you have been vaccinated for it. However, it also means that you are immune to rubella and will not easily get it again. That's a very good thing during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of the condition called `(CRS)`?
Symptoms of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can be seen at birth . If you contract rubella during pregnancy, your baby may be born with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Loss or deterioration of eyesight: Due to conditions such as cataracts and increased eye pressure (glaucoma).
- Loss or decrease in hearing.
- Heart defects.
- Brain-related changes: Brain failure to develop properly, meaning being born with a small brain (microcephaly), brain inflammation, learning and behavioral changes.
- Diseases of the bones.
- Decreased blood components: low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), anemia (hemolytic anemia).
- Thyroid disease.
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen (`(hepatosplenomegaly)`).
- Type 1 diabetes (`(Type 1 diabetes / insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)`).
How do you know if you have rubella?
To find out for sure if you have rubella, your doctor will first examine you and check for any sores on your body. In addition, they may test your blood, urine, or nasal or throat swabs to see if there are any signs of the rubella virus.
What kind of tests are done?
The following tests are used to diagnose rubella:
- Blood tests : A small needle is inserted into a vein in your arm and a sample of your blood is taken. This checks for antibodies to rubella. This can tell if you currently have the disease, have had it in the past, or have been vaccinated.
- Nasal or throat swabs : The doctor will take a swab from your nose or throat. The lab will test it to see if the rubella virus is present.
- Urine tests : You will be asked to urinate into a clean cup. The urine sample will be sent to a lab to be tested for the rubella virus.
What does it mean if the rubella test is ``Positive``?
If a sample taken from your nose, throat, or urine sample comes back ``positive'', it means you are currently infected with rubella .
However, if a blood test done when you are not sick comes back `(Positive)`, it means that you have antibodies against rubella in your body. Antibodies are special proteins that can recognize invaders like viruses and bacteria. So, if antibodies come back `(Positive)` when you are not sick, it means that you have had rubella before, or have been vaccinated, and now you are immune to it. This means that your body's immune system knows how to destroy the virus if it comes back.
How is rubella treated?
There is no specific treatment for rubella. It usually resolves on its own within a few days. You can treat your symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications.
Because rubella is contagious, your doctor will tell you to stay away from other people (`(quarantine)`) to reduce the spread of the disease.
How to control symptoms?
In most cases, rubella symptoms can be managed at home. You can use painkillers such as paracetamol, cough and cold medicines, etc. However, it is best to ask your doctor about the best treatment for your symptoms.
Important: If your young child has rubella, do not give them any medicine without first consulting a doctor.
How is that `(CRS)` condition treated?
Treatment for congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) varies depending on its severity . Some conditions can be treated with medication or surgery. However, some damage is permanent . In that case, all that can be done is to manage the condition and help maintain the best possible quality of life.
How can you prevent rubella?
The best and most important way to prevent rubella is vaccination . That means getting either the MMR vaccine or the MMRV vaccine. In addition, you can also do the following to protect yourself from rubella:
- Wash your hands often, especially when you are sick.
- Do not share personal items such as cups and plates with others .
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- If you are traveling abroad, find out in advance if infectious diseases like rubella are common in that country.
- If you are planning to start a family , that is, have a baby, it is very important to get the rubella vaccine, or get tested for rubella antibodies, at least one month before trying to conceive .
What are the vaccines for rubella?
The rubella vaccine can be given as either the `MMR` vaccine or the `MMRV` vaccine.
- MMR vaccine : This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. Anyone over 12 months of age can get this vaccine.
- `MMRV` vaccine : This provides protection against all four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (`(Chickenpox / Varicella)`). However, this vaccine is only given to children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years .
Who can get the rubella vaccine? Who should not get it?
Most children and adults over 12 months of age can get the rubella vaccine. However, some people do not need the vaccine, and others may not be eligible for it.
You do not need the rubella vaccine if:
- If you have already been vaccinated (you may need to provide written proof of this when traveling, to school, or to work).
- If your blood test confirms that you have rubella antibodies (meaning you are immune to rubella).
- If you were born before 1957. Because it is believed that almost everyone born before the vaccine was available has had rubella. (This may apply to Sri Lanka to some extent, but it is better to ask a doctor).
Experts say that it is not advisable to get the rubella vaccine in these cases:
- If you are allergic to anything in the vaccine .
- If you are pregnant .
- If your immune system is weakened (`(weakened immune system)`) - for example, due to `(HIV/AIDS)`, cancer, or certain medications you take.
- If you have recently had a blood transfusion , ask your doctor if you should postpone the vaccination.
- If you have tuberculosis (Tuberculosis) .
- If you have had any other vaccinations within the past four weeks .
If you bruise easily, bleed easily, or have any family members with immune system problems, be sure to talk to a doctor before getting the rubella vaccine.
What should I expect if I get rubella? How long will it last?
Rubella usually presents as a mild illness that resolves on its own. However, it can be contagious for up to two weeks, so it's best to stay away from others as much as possible while you have symptoms and for a week after the rash has cleared.
If you get rubella during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how it might affect your unborn baby.
The symptoms of rubella usually last about three days . Other symptoms can last from a few days to about a week.
When can I go back to work/school?
Rubella can be contagious for up to a week after the rash starts. So if you have a rash or any other symptoms, don't go to work or school. Before you go back, ask your doctor, your workplace, your school, or your child's school what to do.
What are the possible complications of rubella?
The most common and serious complications of rubella are miscarriage and the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) that we talked about. CRS occurs in babies born to mothers who have rubella during pregnancy.
In addition, rare complications include:
- Arthritis
- Low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
Can rubella cause miscarriage?
Yes, if a pregnant woman gets rubella, she can have a miscarriage. Also, the baby can have birth defects like cataracts, heart disease, and hearing loss.
When should I see a doctor about rubella?
If you or your child has symptoms of rubella, see your doctor right away . If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from rubella before you get pregnant.
When should you go to the emergency room (ER)?
If you are pregnant and have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Excessive bleeding
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Chills
What questions should you ask the doctor?
You can ask your doctor questions like these:
- How can I treat my symptoms at home?
- What should I do to prevent myself from spreading rubella to others?
- How can I protect myself from rubella?
- If I am pregnant, or become pregnant, how can I protect my unborn baby from rubella?
- Should I get vaccinated against rubella?
What is the difference between rubella, measles, and chickenpox?
Rubella, measles, and chickenpox may look similar, because they all cause rashes. But they are three different diseases . They are caused by different types of viruses .
What kind of virus is rubella?
Rubella is a virus of the `(Rubivirus)` family, which belongs to the `(Matonaviridae)` family. Its genetic information is in `(RNA)`. This virus has a protective shell (`(capsid)`) and a covering (`(envelope)`) that helps it enter human cells. (This is a bit scientific, but it's good to know a little.)
A little history about rubella and vaccines
In the past, before a vaccine was found for rubella, many people around the world contracted rubella. At that time, rubella, especially in pregnant women, was associated with a high incidence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), miscarriages, and neonatal deaths.
However, after the introduction of the rubella vaccine (around 1969), the number of rubella cases worldwide decreased significantly. Now, due to vaccination, rubella is rarely seen. However, since rubella is still present in some countries, it is important for all of us to be aware of this and to get vaccinated and stay protected.
Although rubella is usually a mild illness, it can be very dangerous for pregnant women . If you get rubella during pregnancy, your baby is at high risk of organ damage and life-threatening conditions. Getting vaccinated can greatly reduce the risk of getting rubella and spreading it to others.
The most important things you need to remember from this article (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so we've talked a lot about rubella. In short, here are a few things you should definitely remember:
- Rubella is a disease caused by a virus . The main symptom is a rash.
- Although anyone can get rubella, it is most dangerous if a pregnant mother gets it . It can cause a serious condition in the unborn baby called ``Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)``.
- CRS can cause birth defects in the baby's vision, hearing, heart, and brain .
- The best way to prevent rubella is to get the MMR vaccine , especially before becoming pregnant.
- Rubella can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching objects contaminated with the virus .
- If you have symptoms of rubella, see a doctor immediately and stay away from others.
- If you are pregnant and have symptoms of rubella (especially heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, chills), seek medical advice immediately.
I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!
` Rubella, German Measles, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, vaccine
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