What is Rubella (German Measles)?
There was a bit of confusion recently regarding a possible case of measles in the San Antonio area. Initially, a case of measles was reported at Legacy Traditional School in Cibolo, Texas. However, it was later found that the case was Rubella, also known as 3-day measles or German measles.
What is Rubella?
Rubella is a vaccine preventable virus that was first described in the 1750s and is often referred to as "German measles" due to its characteristic rash that is similar to measles and the attention it received in German literature.
In 2004, rubella was officially declared eliminated from the United States and in 2015, rubella was eliminated from the Americas. However, there are still sporadic cases in communities where vaccination coverage is low
Rubella is acquired by breathing in infectious large particle aerosols. Close and prolonged contact with infected individuals is usually needed. It is not more infectious than measles. The incubation period is typically 14 to 18 days (range 12 to 23 days). Infected individuals may shed the virus and are potentially contagious for one week before to two weeks after the rash is noted.
The symptoms in children usually are fever, enlarged lymph nodes and a red and itchy rash all over the body that looks similar to measles (rubeola). Adults can have similar symptoms and may also complain of joint pain.
If pregnant women are infected, rubella can be passed on to the developing baby, which is called congenital rubella syndrome. It is a leading cause of vaccine preventable birth defects. The most frequent defect associated with congenital rubella syndrome is sensorineural hearing loss, followed by intellectual disability, congenital heart defects, and ocular defects.
Complications of rubella are not common except in the developing fetus. Hemorrhagic complications such as a gastrointestinal bleed or brain bleed are estimated to occur in approximately 1 per 3000 cases and are more frequent among children than adults. Other complications are observed more frequently among teenagers and adults. Postinfectious encephalitis (brain swelling) occurs in about 1 per 6000 rubella cases, usually within a week of the rash, but may occur without any rash. Although the prognosis is generally good, fatal cases have been reported. Progressive rubella panencephalitis is a rare and devastating complication.
A blood test for antibodies can help diagnose rubella.
There are no antiviral treatments available for rubella. Supportive care is given.
Remember, MMR vaccination is critical to help prevent rubella. The vaccination coverage needs to be at least 85% to achieve herd immunity. It is lower than for measles because it is not as contagious.
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My mom had Rubella in 1967. She was pregnant with my youngest brother. He was born with heart and kidney problems. He was mostly blind and deaf. There were multiple other issues. He spent most of his 2 years of life in and out of hospitals. This was before there were vaccinations.
Had it in early 1960’s. Do not recommend🥵