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

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

Formation Day

03 Dec, 25
SHARE

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing