Rubella fever, often simply called rubella, is a contagious illness caused by the RuV virus. It's characterized by a rash, low-grade fever, and other symptoms.
Key Features of Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is an illness that is:
- Caused by a Virus: The causative agent is the rubella virus (RuV).
- Highly Contagious: It spreads easily from person to person.
- Marked by Symptoms: Common symptoms include a rash, low fever, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms
- Rash: Usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash appears as small, pink or light red spots.
- Low Fever: Temperatures are typically not very high.
- Other Symptoms: These might include headache, mild cold-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes.
Risks to Pregnant Individuals
A particularly concerning aspect of rubella is the risk it poses to pregnant people and their unborn babies. Rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to:
- Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): This can cause severe health problems in the fetus, including:
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Heart defects
- Developmental delays
- Other serious conditions
Prevention
Rubella is preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) provides protection against this viral infection.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | RuV virus |
| Symptoms | Rash, low fever, sometimes swollen lymph nodes |
| Transmission | Highly contagious, person-to-person |
| Risk to Pregnant | Can cause severe birth defects in the fetus (Congenital Rubella Syndrome or CRS) |
| Prevention | MMR vaccine |
