|
|
Home :: Family Health :: Rubella Rubella - Rubella symptom, treatment, causesRubella is a viral infection characterised by a rash and swollen, tender lymph glands. Rubella (also called German measles) is rarely serious except during the early months of pregnancy, when the infection can lead to miscarriage or severe defects in development of the heart, ears and eyes of the foetus. The rubella virus is spread from person to person by airborne droplets, and the incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks. Rubella (also known as epidemic roseola , German measles , liberty measles or three-day measles ) is a disease caused by the Rubella virus . It Rubella is dangerous because of its ability to harm unborn babies. Infection of a pregnant woman can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects. Before a vaccine against rubella became available in 1969, rubella epidemics occurred every 6 to 9 years. Kids ages 5 to 9 were primarily affected, and many cases of congenital rubella occurred as well. Now, due to immunization of children, there are much fewer cases of rubella and congenital rubella. Most rubella infections today appear in young, non-immunized adults rather than children. In fact, experts estimate that 10% of young adults are currently susceptible to rubella, which could pose a danger to any children they might have someday. Rubella is a viral disease characterized by slight fever, rash and swollen glands. Most cases are mild. It is caused by the rubella virus ( not the same virus that causes measles), which is usually transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that others breathe in. Other symptoms such as headache, loss of appetite and sore throat are more common in infected adults and teenagers than in children. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Rubella is caused by a different virus from the one that causes regular measles (rubeola). Immunity to rubella does not protect a person from measles, or vice versa. Symptom of RubellaMild fever, malaise, running nose and lymph gland enlargement and tenderness typically noticed in glands at the back of the skull near the neck, and behind the ears may begin 1 to 5 days before the rash appears. The blotchy pink rash begins on the face and neck and quickly spreads to the trunk and limbs; it usually fades on the third day, when the rash appears the throat becomes red, but not sore. Some common Symptoms of Rubella :
Symptoms are almost always mild in children and (apart from the rash) may be absent in adults, though occasionally adults may develop fever above 38°c, headache, lassitude and temporary joint stiffness before the rash appears. Diagnosis and Treatment of RubellaThe symptoms of rubella are similar to those of a number of other viral infections, but the diagnosis can be reliably confirmed by finding antibodies to the rubella virus in the blood. There is no treatment other than rest until symptoms subside. Rubella Prevention - Because of the high risk to the foetus of maternal rubella early in pregnancy, most countries now advise routine childhood IMMUNISATION. Women who have not been immunised are advised to have a blood test for rubella antibodies about 6 months before trying to conceive, so that they can be vaccinated if their immunity is inadequate. Women who are not immune when they become pregnant should take every precaution to avoid contact with people who may have rubella. If exposure to rubella occurs, passive immunisation may be advised to prevent infection of the mother and protect the foetus.
|
|
|
|
|||||||
 |
 |
|||||||
Copyright ©2008 http://www.health-care-clinic.com (All Rights Reserved) |
Disclaimer : Health-Care-Clinic.com is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional medical services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your qualified health care provider.
