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Management of Dengue Infection

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Rubella

Rubella

  • What is Rubella?
    A contagious viral infection, also called German measles, primarily mild but serious during pregnancy.
  • Why is it Important?
    Causes congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in unborn babies, leading to severe birth defects.
  • Quick Historical Note:
    Identified as a separate disease from measles in the 19th century. Preventable through vaccines.


Causes and Transmission

  • Cause:
    Rubella virus from the Togaviridae family.
  • How It Spreads:
    • Through respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing).
    • Close contact with infected individuals.
    • Pregnant women can pass it to their unborn babies.
  • When is it Contagious?
    1-2 weeks before and after the rash appears.
  • Risk Groups:
    Unvaccinated individuals and communities, especially pregnant women.


Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Common Symptoms:
    • Mild fever.
    • Fine pink rash starting on the face, spreading downward.
    • Swollen lymph nodes (behind ears, back of neck).
    • Adults may also experience joint pain.
  • When Do Symptoms Appear?
    2–3 weeks after exposure.
  • Diagnosis Methods:
    • Clinical observation of symptoms.
    • Blood tests to check for rubella antibodies.

Rubella

Complications

  • Why It’s Dangerous:
    Usually mild in children, but serious for unborn babies.
  • Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS):
    If contracted in early pregnancy, CRS can cause:
    • Deafness.
    • Cataracts and eye defects.
    • Heart problems.
    • Developmental delays or disabilities.
  • Other Rare Complications:
    • Brain inflammation (encephalitis).
    • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).


Rubella
Rubella infection: risk of congenital malformation


Prevention and Treatment

  • Vaccination is Key:
    • The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is 97% effective.
    • Given in two doses: at 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years.
    • Protects individuals and helps stop outbreaks.
  • Public Health Strategies:
    • Promote vaccine awareness.
    • Ensure global access to vaccines, especially in underserved areas.
  • Treatment:
    No specific antiviral treatment; focus on managing symptoms like fever.


Why It Matters

  • Rubella may seem minor, but its impact on unborn children is life-altering.
  • Vaccines make rubella preventable, and global eradication is possible with sustained efforts.
  • Protecting communities through vaccination and education is crucial to ensuring no child suffers from preventable complications.


Difference between measles and German measles (rubella):

Aspect

Measles

German Measles (Rubella)

Causative Agent

Measles virus (Paramyxoviridae family)

Rubella virus (Togaviridae family)

Common Name

Measles

German measles

Severity

Generally more severe

Usually milder

Incubation Period

7–14 days

14–21 days

Mode of Transmission

Respiratory droplets or direct contact

Respiratory droplets or close contact

Key Symptoms

  • High fever (104°F or higher)
  • Red, blotchy rash (starts on face, spreads)
  • Cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis
  • Koplik spots (white spots inside mouth)

  • Mild fever (low-grade)
  • Fine pink rash (starts on face, spreads)
  • Swollen lymph nodes (behind ears, neck)
  • Joint pain (in adults)

Complications

  • Pneumonia, encephalitis, death
  • Ear infections

  • Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in pregnancy
  • Rarely encephalitis or thrombocytopenia

Risk Groups

  • Unvaccinated children and adults
  • Malnourished individuals

  • Pregnant women and unborn babies

Vaccine

MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)

MMR vaccine

Contagious Period

4 days before and after rash onset

1 week before and after rash onset

Global Impact

Causes high mortality in outbreaks

Mild but can lead to severe birth defects in CRS

Eradication Status

Not yet eradicated globally

Near eradication in some regions with vaccination

 

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