Rubella, also called German measles, is an illness caused by the rubella virus. The most common method of contracting rubella is by inhaling the virus. A person can also be infected by coming into contact with bodily fluids of an infected person such as by touching a used tissue or other contaminated object.
The rubella virus is a togavirus contracted through the respiratory system usually as a result of inhaling droplets in the air projected by an infected person through coughing or sneezing. Once the virus is inhaled, it begins to reproduce in the upper throat. In approximately a week, the virus then travels to other parts of the body where it also begins to reproduce itself in the lymph nodes.
The incubation period for the disease is approximately two to three weeks after exposure, which is when symptoms begin to appear. Once the illness is fully present, it will persist for approximately three days. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu along with a rash and swollen glands. These usually pass within a few days, with the exception of the swollen glands, which may continue for a week longer.
Rubella is a common childhood illness that usually passes within a few days of the appearance of symptoms and is rarely serious. People who have been infected with the virus are usually contagious from one week before to one week after the appearance of symptoms. Diagnosis is performed via a blood test that looks for antibodies. This test, however, can give a false positive if a person has been exposed to rubella as much as a year earlier, as the antibodies will remain in a person’s system for some time following infection or exposure.
While most cases cause mild illness, in some circumstances the effects of the virus can be severe. Pregnant women can contract the virus, which is capable of traversing the placenta and infecting the fetus. Once in the fetus’ system, the virus can cause major birth defects or even prevent the formation of vital organs altogether. The disease can also affect the newly born, damaging their hearts, brains, and ears.
Prevention is accomplished through the use of a vaccine given as part of the standard measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. The MMR is typically given at the age of 12 to 18 months and again at 36 months. Pregnant women cannot receive the vaccine because it contains live rubella viruses that may infect the infant.
