Rubella, often referred to as German Measles, or as “three-day measles”, commonly affects children. While typically mild in children, German Measles can be quite serious if a pregnant woman contracts it. Pregnant women who contract Rubella are at risk for birth defects in their unborn child caused by the virus. The condition is characterised by many of the same symptoms as regular measles, but the duration of the illness is much shorter.
As with regular measles, this virus is much more serious in adults than in children. Pregnant women are at the most risk and should be very careful about being exposed to Rubella during their pregnancy.
The most common sign that someone has contracted Rubella is a red-spotted rash that begins on the face and spreads out over the rest of the body. The rash will last for about three days, hence referring to this virus as, “three-day measles”. Other symptoms include:
Rubella is a viral infection. This is not the same virus as the one that causes standard measles, which is why the duration of Rubella is different, and the symptoms are not quite as severe. Rubella is spread through contact with someone who has contracted it, and the cough that comes with Rubella is often the main way that the infection is spread.
Pregnant women should be very cautious about being around those with Rubella due to the risk to the baby if Rubella is contracted during pregnancy.
Diagnosis of Rubella is often made by visually examining the red rash. However, a urine sample or a throat or nasal swab culture will often confirm that you or your child has Rubella.
For those who have been exposed to Rubella, the incubation period is usually about ten days. If you have not started showing symptoms within this timeframe, you probably have not contracted Rubella.
Treatment of Rubella is often much like treating a cold or flu. Children tend to have such mild symptoms that they do not need much in the way of care. Some children might not even have any symptoms. If your child is not showing symptoms of Rubella, you do not need to use the following treatments. Treatment of Rubella for adults and children showing symptoms includes:
Pregnant women who have been exposed to Rubella need to contact their doctor right away. Due to the associated risks of birth defects after contracting Rubella, it is a good idea to have a doctor evaluate your condition if you have been exposed during pregnancy. For those who are not pregnant, Rubella will likely take about five to ten days to run its course. During this time, you should rest and take good care of yourself.
If you cannot be vaccinated for Rubella, you will want to attempt to avoid contact with those who you know have contracted it. This is the best prevention method in most cases. If you have been exposed and you are not showing symptoms, you should attempt to avoid exposing others since you could be carrying measles without knowing it.