Introduction
Rubella is an infectious disease that causes a dangerous rash on the skin. It is caused by viruses and can be deadly in some cases. It is also known as German measles or three-day measles. Additionally, it is a disease that can affect unborn babies if their mother gets infected during pregnancy. Rubella and measles are two different conditions that share some common symptoms, such as producing a red rash on the skin. Different viruses are responsible for rubella and measles; rubella is less infectious than measles.
A vaccine called MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) is used to prevent rubella. This vaccine is safe and effective against rubella. One-time Vaccination provides lifetime protection from rubella.
Many countries claim rubella is a rare infection, and no new cases exist. However, the vaccine is not used in every place in the world; some rubella cases still cause infection in newborns and pregnant women.
What Are the Symptoms of Rubella?
It is hard to recognize the signs and symptoms of rubella in small children. Signs and symptoms of rubella generally take almost 14 to 21 days to appear after virus exposure. The infection stays for almost five days. Symptoms of rubella are listed below-
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Running and stuffy nose.
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Mild fever.
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Discomfort in eyes (itching and redness).
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Tender lymph nodes in the back of the neck, ears, and skull.
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Reddish pink rashes are seen on the face, which spread rapidly to the other body parts, such as the stomach, arms, and legs.
What Are the Causes of Rubella?
Rubella is an infectious condition that spreads from person to person. If an infected person coughs or sneezes openly, the virus spreads and causes infection in other people. It also spreads due to physical contact, kissing, or eating infected food. The infection is passed to the unborn child if a pregnant woman gets infected with rubella. If someone gets infected with rubella, they can spread the infection from one week before the rash occurs until one week after the disappearance of the rash. An infected person spreads the infection without knowing that they are infected with the virus too. Rubella is very rarely found in many countries because of active Vaccination. Most of the children got vaccinated at an early age. But rubella has not completely disappeared, and some countries still suffer from rubella infection. For pregnant women, it is important to keep this in mind before traveling to other countries. However, after getting infected with rubella, there is almost no chance of having rubella again; it gives permanent immunity against rubella.
When to Consult a Doctor About Rubella?
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It is recommended to consult with a doctor as soon as any symptoms of rubella occur or there is a chance that the child is exposed to the virus.
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If a woman is pregnant, she must check her previous vaccination history to ensure she has been vaccinated against rubella.
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If a pregnant lady gets infected with rubella, it could cause severe birth defects in the child, such as congenital deafness. If the woman gets a rubella infection in the first three months of pregnancy, it can cause the death of the fetus. Protection against rubella before pregnancy is the best preventive measure against rubella.
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Every pregnant woman must go for routine immunity screening for rubella. If the woman never gets vaccinated before pregnancy and might be exposed to the rubella virus, it is important to contact the doctor immediately. A blood screening test can confirm immunity against rubella.
What Is the Complication of Rubella?
Previously, rubella-infected women experienced joint pain (arthritis) for almost one month.
In some cases, rubella causes ear infections and brain inflammation. If a pregnant woman gets infected with rubella, it can result in a severe defect in the unborn child and lead to the child's death. Infection in the first trimester is the most complicated. If the infection occurs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, then there is a 90 % chance that the child will bear congenital rubella syndrome. Congenital rubella syndrome causes the following problems -
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Deafness.
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Delay in growth.
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Congenital heart defects.
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Mental disorders.
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Underdeveloped organs.
How to Prevent Rubella Infection?
Prevention of rubella is possible with a combination of vaccines. This vaccine is known as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella). If the varicella vaccine (chicken pox vaccine) is added, it is called MMRV. The first dose of Vaccination is given at one and a half years of age, and the second dose is given between four and six years of age. The MMR vaccine provides immunity against rubella for a lifetime. It also prevents rubella during pregnancy. Women who have previously been immunized have their newborn babies immune against rubella for almost eight months. If a baby requires early Vaccination, it can be given at six months, but the recommended doses should be given again at the right age.
Who Does Not Need MMR Vaccination?
MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is not required in the following conditions -
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If one is previously vaccinated.
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If a blood test shows immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, then there is no need for Vaccination.
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People born before 1957 are most probably immune to rubella because there are chances that they have had measles, mumps, and rubella. However, a blood test is recommended to check the immunization.
The Vaccine Is Not Recommended For:
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Pregnant women.
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If planning to get pregnant within one month.
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In case of any allergic reaction.
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In case of systemic disorders, always consult the doctor before Vaccination.
Who Requires the MMR Vaccine?
Following people require MMR vaccine -
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People who work in hospitals, schools, or any public place.
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Young women and men.
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School or college-going youth.
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If anyone is traveling abroad.
Is the MMR Vaccine Recommended During Pregnancy?
MMRVaccine is a live vaccine that should be given one month before planning pregnancy. The vaccine uses the weakest form of the virus to develop immunity. After taking the vaccine, contraception should be followed for one month. It is recommended to take up the vaccine before planning pregnancy, which reduces the risk of transmission of the virus to the fetus. The virus in the fetus causes congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), manifesting birth defects and neurodevelopmental problems. Rubella in pregnancy may cause miscarriage. Thus, immunization is important prior to planning pregnancy.
What Is Rubella’s Immune Status?
An antibody index of 1.0 or higher indicates the presence of rubella antibodies in the blood. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates immunity to future rubella infection through prior exposure or immunization to the virus.
Conclusion
Rubella is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It is contagious and spreads from man to man. The virus causes defects in the unborn child if a mother is infected while pregnant. Red rashes all over the body, along with fever and joint pain, are the common symptoms of rubella. A vaccine named MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) is used worldwide for the prevention of rubella.
