Measles / Rubeola

Overview

A highly contagious virus that is one of the major causes of pediatric death across the globe causes measles. Infected individuals cough or sneeze and the virus spreads from individual to individual via droplets generated by the virus. Symptoms such as a high fever, bloodshot eyes, runny nose and little white patches on the mouth’s inside are typical 10–12 days after infection. In certain cases, the illness may last for a longer period of time. 

An itchy rash may appear on the face and neck a few days after exposure, and it will progressively travel further down the body. Measles is associated with a variety of potentially fatal side effects; include blindness and encephalopathy (a brain infection). It may also cause severe diarrhea as well as pneumonia in certain people.

While the symptoms of rubella are usually mild in children and adolescents, they may be severe and even fatal for an unprotected unborn child if a pregnant mother is exposed to the virus in her early pregnancy. Miscarriage or congenital abnormalities, including hearing impairment, eye and heart problems, as well as other life-altering diseases such as autism, type 1 diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, may occur from untreated infections in the womb. It is transmitted by airborne droplets from infected people’ noses, mouths, or throats.

The infection can be prevented through the MMR vaccine, which is a highly effective and safe measles/rubella vaccine. Yet, outbreaks of measles and rubella persist as a consequence of gaps in vaccination coverage that remain over time.

Causes

An airborne virus causes rubella. Infected individuals may transmit the disease by coughing or sneezing. Direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person, such as mucus, may potentially spread viruses. Unborn children may also be infected through the bloodstream of a pregnant mother.

It is contagious for about 1-2 weeks before and after the rash appears on the skin. A person infected with the rubella virus is infectious for 1-2 weeks before and after the rash appears. An infected person may spread the illness before realizing they are sick.

Symptoms

Swollen, painful lymph nodes, typically in the neck or behind the ears, may accompany a moderate fever (99–100F) for 1–2 days. Rubella infection is contagious and may spread to other parts of the body. After that, a rash appears on the face and travels lower. It typically clears up on the face as it progresses farther.

The rash associated with Rubella is often seen by parents as the first indication of sickness. It may have a similar appearance to many other viral rashes, appearing as pink or light red dots that may combine to create uniformly colored areas of skin. The rash may be itchy and might persist for up to three days. As the rash fades away, the skin on the afflicted area may begin to slough in extremely thin flakes.

Aside from a headache and lack of appetite, rubella may cause moderate conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, swelling of lymph nodes in other areas of the body, and discomfort and swelling in the joints. Rubella is most prevalent in teenagers and adults. Many individuals who are infected with rubella have little or no symptoms.

It is common for the rash to persist three days after getting rubella. There may be swelling in the lymph nodes for a week, and joint discomfort may persist for more than two weeks. Children infected with the virus typically recovered within a week, while adults may need a longer period of time to heal.

Diagnosis

The rubella rash may seem similar to a variety of different viral rashes. As a result, physicians often use laboratory testing to confirm the presence of rubella. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo either a viral culture or blood testing to determine whether or not you have antibodies to the rubella virus in your blood. These antibodies show if you have had a recent or previous infection, as well as whether you have had a rubella vaccination.

Treatment

There is no medication that can shorten the duration of infection.The symptoms are generally minor enough that they do not need measles treatment. However, during the infectious time, physicians often suggest that patients be isolated from other people, particularly pregnant women.

If you acquire rubella while you are pregnant, you should consult with your doctor about the dangers to your unborn child. It is possible that you will be given antibodies called hyperimmune globulin, which will help you fight off the illness if you want to continue your pregnancy. However, although this may help to alleviate your symptoms, it does not completely remove the chance that your baby could have congenital rubella syndrome.

The level of support provided to a child varies according to the severity of the infant’s issues. Children who are suffering from numerous problems may need care from a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Rubella cannot be cured by antibiotics, because they only work against bacteria, not viruses, and are thus ineffective. Unless it causes further problems in the meanwhile, Rubella will go on its own. When it comes to children, rubella is typically a mild disease that may be treated at home. Consider taking your child’s temperature. If the fever gets too high, seek medical care. If required, you may give your child pain reliever or fever reducer to ease minor discomfort. When an individual is infected with the virus that causes rubella, simple self-care procedures are needed including the bed rest.

When To See A Doctor

If you or your child has been infected with rubella or exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, you should see your doctor.

In the event that you are considering getting pregnant, make certain that you have received your MMR vaccine. If you get rubella while pregnant, especially during the first trimester, the virus has the potential to kill or seriously harm the unborn child.

If you are expecting, it is probable that you may be tested for immunity to rubella. If you have not received the rubella vaccine and think you have been infected with the virus, contact your doctor as soon as possible. It is possible that a blood test will establish your immunity.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about measles or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.