WANTED: Rubella Virus
Causes German Measles
Scientific Name:
Rubella virus
How Rubella Spreads
The cause of rubella is a virus that's passed from person to person. The virus is spread by airborne respiratory droplets. It can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or it can spread by direct contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as mucus. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child via the bloodstream.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of rubella are an elevated body temperature and a pink rash.
Rubella shown on a chest
Congenital Rubella
Rubella on the face
Prey
Although it most commonly occurs in young children, it can affect anyone. Also, anyone who is not vaccinated for Rubella is at a much higher risk of getting it. It is easy to get rubella from foreigners who have not been vaccinated that have come to the United States.
Stongest Weapon
The strongest weapon against the Rubella virus is the immunization vaccine named MMR. MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. Most children are given their first vaccination when they are around 1. The next shot is typically given right before entering school at age 4 or 5.
Hide Out
The rubella virus is found in the noses and throats of infected people. The rash can be found on any area of the infected person's body.
Short Video on Rubella
Rubella Health Byte