Rubella
Payton Wettengel
Description
Rubella - also known as German Measles - is a rare skin condition in the United States caused by the rubivirus. Though this infection can occur in everyone, it is most common with people in their early 20's. It primarily affects the lymph nodes and skin with a rash lasting about three days.
Causes & Complications
Rubella is spread through the blood of an infected mom through the womb or sneezes/cough through the air. Children affected before birth are at risk for growth retardation, mental retardation, malformations of the heart and eyes, deafness, and liver, spleen, and bone marrow problems.
Testing/ Treatment
Either a physical examination of lesions or a blood test (infants only) will be preformed. There is no cure or treatment for Rubella. It goes away naturally.
Prevention
An MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) shot is given at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. If planning on becoming pregnant get an MMR shot 28 days before conception.
Works Cited
Baronerocks. Rubella Mnemonic. Youtube. Baronerocks, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMIFrBhieCA>.
"Congenital Rubella." Children's Hospital. Harvard Medical School, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2013. <http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/congenital-rubella>.
"Rubella and Your Baby." March of Dimes. March of Dimes Foundation, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2013. <http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/rubella-and-your-baby.aspx>.
"Rubella (German Measles)." Kids Health. Nemours, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2013. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/german_measles.html#>.