What is the rubella virus?
Well by the name itself you know now, that it’s a virus. Also known as GERMAN MEASLES, it’s highly contagious, causing a rash, malaise, fever, headache, cough, and cold.
How does it spread?
Its spread is mostly through the respiratory tract and oral secretions, when an infected person coughs or sneezes it spreads to others through droplets released in the air. Can also spread, through direct contact with mucus or oral secretions like the saliva of an infected person.
The route of spread that is most important for this article is from mother to fetus through the placenta during pregnancy.
How does it affect the unborn baby?
Rubella infection at any stage in pregnancy can cause miscarriage or stillbirth of the fetus. But it is particularly dangerous if infection occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This results in almost 90% of babies being born with
CONGENITAL RUBELLA SYNDROME. Some features of this
Syndrome is:
- Cataract
- Deafness
- Low birth weight
- Developmental defects in the heart, liver, spleen, brain, Lungs, etc.
- Problem with mental development and intellectual abilities.
- Thyroid gland & hormone problems.
What is the treatment for Rubella Virus?
Once you are infected there is no medicine to get rid of the infection. The disease is self-healing and will run its course.
Treatment mainly is symptomatic to treat symptoms like cough, headache, sneezing, fever, etc. Generally, all symptoms subside within 5 days from onset.
Prevention
Vaccination against it is the only prevention. MMR vaccine prevents the disease. It is generally given to children in 3 doses, 1st between 9-12 months, 2nd between 15-18 months & 3rd between 4-6 years of age. All women of reproductive age should undergo rubella antibody testing before getting pregnant, and take the rubella vaccine before pregnancy if not already immune. It is available as a standalone vaccine as well as part of the MMR vaccine. It is to be taken at least 4 weeks before planning for pregnancy.
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