Rubella by Lena Zadruzynski Anatomy / Physiology 6 th hour Mr. Weidert

What is Rubella (also called German measles or three-day measles)?  Rubella is an infection by the rubella virus called togavirus which is usually transmitted by droplets of moisture from the nose or throat  the virus is found in the blood 5 to 7 days after infection and spreads throughout the body  primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes  more common for children, infectious for six days after infection Transmission electron micrograph of rubella virus, Sources 1.

Main Symptoms of Rubella  the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is a red- pink rash  the rash usually starts behind the ears, then around the head and neck it may then spread to the chest and tummy, legs and arms  secondary symptoms are swollen lymph nodes Source of pictures:

More Symptoms  low fever  feels like having a cold (runny and stuffy nose, sore throat and cough)  headache  muscle pain  inflamed or red eyes  loss of appetite  tiredness Source of pictures: Sources 13 and 14

Rubella and pregnancy If a woman catches German measles virus not early in pregnancy o Virus can pass through the bloodstream to the fetus and disturb the development of the baby delayed growth heart defects learning disabilities deafness eye problems poorly function organs o The birth defects caused by the rubella virus are known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)

Cure There is no specific treatment for rubella. The condition is usually mild and improves within seven to ten days. Controlling fever and relieving pain Drink a lot Treating cold-like symptoms Avoiding the spread of infection In rare cases, Rubella can cause serious problems in an unborn baby, so you should try to avoid contact with pregnant women or watch your children for at least six days from the start of the rash

Prevention The best way to avoid catching rubella is to be immunised with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine! The German Standing Vaccination Committee (STIKO) recommends two MMR vaccinations for children: Source: Flyer Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination You can have MMR vaccination at any age

Worst case scenario  Serious complications of Rubella are rare since MMR vaccine  Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) Miscarriage in up to 20% of cases infection in first 10 weeks the risk of CRS is as high as 90% babies with multiple birth defects infection in 11th-16th weeks the risk of CRS drops to around 10-20% babies with fewer birth defects infection in 17th-20th weeks CRS is very rare babies with deafness Source:

3 facts about Rubella  Rubella is generally mild viral infection that occurs often in children and young adults worldwide  Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)  Every year worldwide babies are born with CRS Source:

Sources rLsf4E=&docid=qXFbl2ohYwf6wM&client=firefox-a&sa=X&ei=jiY0VOfVJ869PfTXgKgP&ved=0CCsQ9QEwAg&dur= Flyer Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination 7. sprachen-als-pdf/ jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzle.com%2Farticles%2Fswollen-eyelid-in- toddler.html&h=173&w=260&tbnid=_wvWENh2ur1K0M%3A&zoom=1&docid=I8oOD7jQ1b1BqM&ei=7YM1VK3uKOXO7gb0koCQ Aw&tbm=isch&client=firefox-a&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=631&page=3&start=70&ndsp=43&ved=0CJUCEK0DME eit%2FHausmittel-fuer-Kinder%2Ffieber- hausmittel.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elternwissen.com%2Fgesundheit%2Fhausmittel-fuer- kinder%2Fart%2Ftipp%2Fhausmittel-fuer-kinder-gegen-fieber.html&h=1602&w=1600&tbnid=CZ- YZ3v_cjyZOM%3A&zoom=1&docid=v4Tr8jDdW5k-MM&ei=i4A1VKHmDeTP7gaM94CoAw&tbm=isch&client=firefox- a&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=351&page=3&start=77&ndsp=42&ved=0CLACEK0DMFg