Rubella

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem.This achievement means Nepal has effectively controlled rubella transmission to a very low level, protecting public health.

1. What is Rubella?

Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection, best known for its distinctive red rash.
It is also called German measles or three-day measles.
Though rubella and measles share some symptoms like the rash, they are caused by different viruses.
Rubella is generally less infectious and less severe than measles.
The virus causing rubella is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus.

1. How Does Rubella Spread?

The rubella virus spreads from person to person through:
- Coughing or sneezing (airborne droplets).
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
It can also spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus.
Importantly, people can be contagious even without showing symptoms.

1. Symptoms of Rubella

Many people experience mild or no symptoms.
The main symptom is a spotty red rash that:
- Starts on the face or behind the ears.
- Spreads to the neck and body.
The rash usually appears 2 to 3 weeks after infection.

1. Risks During Pregnancy

If a woman is infected with rubella early in pregnancy, there is a 90% chance the virus will pass to the fetus.
This can lead to:
- Fetal death or miscarriage.
- Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), causing severe birth defects.
Infants with CRS may:
- Excrete the virus for over a year.
- Suffer from hearing impairments, eye defects, heart problems.
- Experience lifelong disabilities such as autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction.

1. Prevention of Rubella

The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective prevention method.
The vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing lifelong protection against rubella.

1. Treatment of Rubella

There is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella.
Mild symptoms are managed with:
- Bed rest.
- Medicines to reduce fever and relieve discomfort

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala