Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is a mildly infectious illness caused by a virus, and although infectious, it doesn’t spread as easily as other childhood illnesses such as chicken pox or measles.
The virus is airborne, passed via droplets that are coughed and sneezed out but the illness can be so mild you may not realize your child even has it. If you contract it while pregnant it poses a serious risk to your unborn child.
Rubella usually starts with a mild fever and swollen glands behind the neck and ears. After three to four days, a rash develops, initially behind the ears, and spread to your child’s face and down his body. The rash lasts around three days and may be itchy. While rubella isn’t serious it is contagious, so you’ll need to keep your child away from other children for around a week after the rash appears.
Treatment
Like many childhood viruses there’s no treatment for rubella. Try to make your child as comfortable as possible and lower his temperature with a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or with tepid sponging.
Occasionally, fever and a rash can indicate a more serious condition such as meningitis. Call your pediatrician if your baby’s temperature rises above 100.4 degrees (102 degrees in an older child) or if your child appears to be very unwell.
Prevention
Your child can be vaccinated against rubella – you’ll be offered the MMR at between 12 and 15 months old, followed by a booster just before he starts school. Immunization is the best way to ensure he doesn’t pass rubella on to an expectant mom; however, there is some concern about side effects linked to the MMR vaccine – see the MMR debate and visit gurgle’s Tests and Checks area for further information on your baby’s immunizations.
Rubella in pregnancy
If you’re planning to have a baby, ask your physician to check if you’re immune to rubella – if you are, antibodies should be present in your blood. Even if you’ve been vaccinated against the virus in the past it can wear off and you may need a booster (take care not to get pregnant for at least a month after having the vaccination or booster).
If you’re already pregnant you can’t have the vaccination but you can have one shortly after your baby’s birth. Try to stay away from anyone who has rubella if you’re pregnant and haven’t been immunized against it as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects if contracted in early pregnancy (after 20 weeks there is little risk of problems).
If you do come into contact with the virus in the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife immediately. If you would not consider termination under any circumstances, you may be offered an injection of immune globulin. This is a concentration of antibodies designed to reduce your baby’s risk of birth defects but it can’t guarantee protection.
The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 26/06/2008
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register