What Causes German Measles?
Related Info Measles And Rubella
What causes German Measles?
Rubella is also know as German measles or Second disease. The virus can be detected in blood for up to a week before, and in the nasopharynx from 10 days before and until 2 weeks after the onset of rash.
| It is a mild disease and can go unnoticed by the patient. Approximately one-third of infections are asymptomatic (subclinical). Incubation period is 14-21 days. Rubella occurs most commonly in children aged 5-10 years. It is much less contagious than measles.Its importance does not lie with management of the patient but its possibility of transmission to a mother in early pregnancy and who is non-immune. |
Congenital rubella in the foetus may occur with tragic results. It is still the most important cause of blindness and deafness in the newborn.
Clinical features
A widespread rash, sometimes itchy, may be the only evidence of infection. There is often a reddened throat but is seldom sore. There can sometimes be discharge seen as well as rash on the palate. Fever is usually mild, rarely above 38 degrees celcius, and rarely for more than 1 day. Prominent lymph nodes swelling are seen. Other features are headache, myalgia (bodyache) and conjunctivits. In adolescent girls and women, polyarthritis (small joints) or arthralgia (joint ache) lasting one to several weeks are common and appear on the third day.
The rash is a discrete pale pink maculopapular rash, starting from the face and neck, spreads to the trunk and extremities. It is of variable extent and may be absent in subclinical infection. The rash is exaggerated on skin exposed to the sun and is of a brief duration, usually fades on the third day. There is no staining or desquamation.
The patient is infectious for up to 10 days from the onset of rash.
Congenital rubella
Infection of the mother in the first trimester can lead to abortion, stillbirth or fetal malformation.
Pictures of German Measles
Management
Management is symptomatic, especially since rubella is a mild disease. Patients should rest quietly until they feel well and take paracetamol for fever and aching joints.
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