Rubella (German Measles)
By Ashley Pippin
What is Rubella?
Rubella, also known as the German measles or 3-day measles is an infection caused by the rubella virus. It can be easily spread by simply coughing or sneezing on a person. You can also give it to someone by direct contact to the infected person's mucus or tears. Signs you may have Rubella include swollen glands, body ache, a fever and a distinct red rash.
Complications and Life Outlook
Rubella is usually a very mild disease. While pregnant, your baby can possibly have a birth defect from rubella.
These birth defects include
- Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
- growth and mental retardation
- malformations of heart and eyes
- deafness
Testing and Treatments
To test if you may have rubella you can take a blood test from your doctor to see if the recent infection is caused by rubella.
Treatment for rubella
- medicine for fever and body ache
- drink extra fluid
- rest
- immunoglobulin shot
Prevention
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MMR Vaccine)
- avoid contact from people with rubella