Description A contagious viral ...
Description
A contagious viral infection with mild symptoms associated with a characteristic rash. The disease is almost unheard of in the U.S. because the MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) vaccine given to children prevents the disease. The disease is most serious for pregnant women who develop the infection in their first trimester, and have not received the vaccine. 80% of fetuses exposed to rubella in the first 11 weeks of gestation experience rubella congenital syndrome. Rubella congenital syndrome consists of growth retardation, cataracts, deafness, heart defects, mental retardation and fetal death. Rubella, once was known as German measles.
Symptoms
Low-grade fever (102 F or lower), headache, general fatigue (malaise), runny nose, bloodshot eyes, rash that begins on the face and spreads to the body, muscle or joint pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A blood test for antibodies against rubella can be done. Nasal or throat swab for viral culture can also be performed for an acute infection
Other Specific Tests: Viral culture, Rubella serology
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A blood test for antibodies against rubella can be done. Nasal or throat swab for viral culture can also be performed for an acute infection
Other Specific Tests: Viral culture, Rubella serology
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for rubella. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) can be given to reduce the fever. Pregnant women who contract the disease will need to discuss special treatment options including hyperimmune globulin with their doctors. The treatment of congenital rubella syndrome is for the defects that may be present.