Rubella, also called German measles, is a mild viral illness that causes a rash and fever. This eMedTV segment offers a detailed description of the disease, including its causes, symptoms, transmission methods, and treatment options.
The cause of rubella is simple -- it's the rubella virus. This eMedTV article provides an overview of this virus, offering detailed information on how it is transmitted and how it can be dangerous to fetuses. This page also covers rubella prevention.
The rubella virus is the cause of rubella (also known as German measles or three-day measles). This page from the eMedTV library discusses this virus in detail, including its history, incubation period, and transmission methods.
Rubella transmission often occurs through coughing or sneezing. As this eMedTV article explains, it can also happen when people put their fingers in their mouth after touching an infected surface. This page explains how rubella is spread.
The rubella incubation period is the time between rubella transmission and the start of rubella symptoms. As this eMedTV article explains, the incubation period for rubella typically lasts between 14 and 21 days.
Some of the common symptoms of rubella include swollen lymph glands, mild fever, and a red, blotchy rash. This eMedTV article lists other signs and symptoms of rubella, and explains that about half the people who have rubella will not develop symptoms.
The process used for diagnosing rubella includes a physical exam and, in some cases, certain tests. This eMedTV article discusses the process of making a rubella diagnosis, including ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Since there is no cure for rubella, treatment generally consists of rest, fluids, and medication. As this eMedTV segment explains, rubella treatment is aimed at providing relief from symptoms while the body fights the infection.
Rubella can be prevented by a vaccine. As this eMedTV article explains, the vaccine may be used alone, or it may be part of a combination vaccine that also prevents measles and mumps. This page discusses the prevention of rubella in detail.
The rubella vaccine has been available since 1969, and it is very successful at preventing rubella. This eMedTV article provides in-depth information on this vaccine, including who should get it and who should not.
Congenital rubella syndrome occurs in some babies after being exposed to the rubella virus in the womb. This eMedTV article offers more information on this condition, including the problems it can cause, statistics on how often it occurs, and more.
Rubella statistics show that the disease is on the decline, especially in children. This eMedTV article provides more rubella statistics on topics such as the rubella vaccine, congenital rubella syndrome, and the incidence of rubella in adults.
