Rubella
By: Amanda McCommon
Description
Rubella is an acute viral disease. It is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. Rubella causes a fever and rash. It is also called the German Measles or 3-day Measles.
Causes & Complications
- virus passes through tiny drops of fluid from the nose & throat
- can pass through pregnant woman's blood stream to unborn baby
- if acquired by pregnant woman
- deafness
- cataracts
- heart defects
- mental retardation
- liver/spleen damage
How to Test for it and/or treat Rubella? Life Outlook?
- contact obstetrician immediately
- monitor child's temperature
- medications:
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- if everything is done right the child will live normally
- if acquired by pregnant woman child will have many difficulties throughout life
Prevention
- Rubella vaccine
- 1st dose: 12-15 months old
- 2nd dose: 4-6 years old
Works Cited
"Rubella Disease In-Short (German Measles)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 May 2009. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
"KidsHealth." Rubella (German Measles). The Nemours Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
"KidsHealth." Rubella (German Measles). The Nemours Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.