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

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