RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES)
What is Rubella
Rubella or German Measles is a virus, which spreads by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is generally mild in children but if passed to a pregnant woman, it could cause a health risk to the unborn child. e.g. deafness, blindness, heart or mental defects.
It must be stated that this is very rare, thanks to immunisation, and the cases of Rubella have significantly decreased since immunisation has been introduced in many countries around the World.
Symptoms of Rubella
- Rubella starts with swollen glands behind the ears or sometimes it appears in other glands around the body.
- This is generally followed by a small pink dotted rash, which lasts about three days. This is sometimes the first indication that the child has Rubella. The rash starts on the face or behind the ears and then spreads to the upper body. The rash often merges into one.
- Flu-like symptoms may appear, e.g. fever, runny nose, sore throat.
- In adults the Rubella symptoms can cause mild conjunctivitis or joint pain.
When are you Contagious
A person is contagious from one week before to one week after the rash appears. If a child is suspected to have Rubella, they should be kept off school and not mix with other people until a week after the rash has started.
The incubation period is generally two to three weeks after the person has been open to infection.
Pregnancy and Rubella
In the unlikely event that a pregnant woman should contract Rubella, it is said to be more dangerous in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
If Rubella is suspected, then your Midwife, Doctor or Obstetrician should be informed as soon as possible.
Treatment
Rubella does not respond to antibiotics as it is a virus and usually clears up on its own, especially in children.
If joint pain or a fever is experienced (in adults), then Paracetamol or Ibuprofen should help to relieve the symptoms.
Lozenges with menthol should be sucked for sore throats.
If a child’s temperature is high, make sure they drink plenty of fluids.
Eat a good balanced diet with plenty fruit and vegetables.
Any worrying symptoms, see your G.P.
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