What are the symptoms, causes and treatment of rubella?

Rubella is a viral infection that generally has a benign course. Despite this, it requires special attention, especially in pregnant women. The disease spreads easily in closed environments with lots of movement of people. It therefore remains on the agenda of vaccination and health surveillance campaigns.

The rubella virus mainly affects children and young adults. However, any unvaccinated age group can get sick. The infection tends to go unnoticed in many cases because the signs may be subtle. Despite everything, the individual transmits the virus and contributes to the appearance of new cases.

What is rubella and why does it get so much attention?

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus of the genus Rubivirus. It invades the body through the respiratory tract. It then circulates in the blood and reaches different organs. This characteristic favors the appearance of reddish spots on the skin, a typical mark of infection.

Rubella outbreaks declined significantly after the expansion of the MMR vaccine. However, some countries are reporting sporadic cases and small outbreaks. The main concern is rubella in pregnant women because the virus crosses the placenta. Therefore, it leads to serious problems in the development of the fetus.

The main keyword of this theme is rubella. It is directly linked to symptoms, forms of transmission and prevention strategies. Additionally, the term appears in surveillance protocols, vaccination schedules, and guidelines for pregnant women.

What are the symptoms of rubella?

Rubella symptoms vary greatly from person to person. In many situations, the infection remains silent and does not cause any complaints. In other cases, the illness resembles a mild cold, with discreet patches on the skin. This diversity makes it difficult to immediately recognize the infection.

Among the most common signs, the following can be distinguished:

• Red spots on the skin, starting on the face and moving down the body.
• Low fever, usually below 38.5°C.
• Enlarged and painful glands, especially behind the ears and on the back of the neck.
• Discomfort, headaches and fatigue.
• Joint pain, more common in adolescents and adults.

Some people also experience eye irritation and a slight runny nose. The spots on the skin usually last for a few days. They usually disappear within a week. Joint pain may persist longer, especially in women. In children, symptoms tend to be even more subtle.

Pregnant women with rubella may not notice any significant symptoms. Despite this, the virus reaches the fetus. In these cases, the risk of deafness, heart changes, cataracts and other congenital problems increases. This is why health professionals are strengthening examinations and prior vaccination.

What are the causes and how is rubella transmitted?

The cause of rubella is a virus transmitted from person to person. Spread is mainly through droplets of saliva. Sneezing, coughing and close conversations make it easier for the virus to circulate. Closed environments encourage this process even more.

The individual transmits the virus a few days before the spots appear. Transmission continues for about a week after the rash begins. Thus, the person can go about their daily routine and spread the virus without realizing it. The lack of clear symptoms contributes to this dynamic.

In the case of pregnant women, a different route of transmission appears. The virus crosses the placental barrier and reaches the fetus. This process gives rise to the so-called congenital rubella syndrome. In these cases, the baby may be born with multiple malformations. Additionally, the newborn continues to shed the virus for months.

Certain factors increase the risk of contagion:

1. Lack of adequate vaccination throughout life.
2. Frequent contact with many people in closed rooms.
3. Travel to areas with low vaccination coverage.
4. Living closely with an infected person.

How is rubella diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals suspect rubella when they notice spots on the skin and enlarged lymph nodes. The survey also takes into account history of contact with sick people. Epidemic situations in schools, daycare centers or businesses help to reinforce the hypothesis.

To confirm the diagnosis, doctors order blood tests. These tests identify specific antibodies against the rubella virus. In pregnant women, the analysis is generally even more detailed. The team monitors the progress of the pregnancy with additional images and laboratory tests.

Health services notify suspected cases to health authorities. This measure makes it possible to monitor the circulation of the virus. In addition, it facilitates investigations into possible outbreaks and provides advice to close contacts.

What is the treatment for rubella and how to prevent the disease?

Rubella treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. To date, there is no specific antiviral against this virus. Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend rest, adequate hydration, and fever control with appropriate medications. The choice of medications always takes into account age and possible pre-existing conditions.

In most cases, recovery occurs within a few days. Patients without other serious illnesses do well. Nevertheless, temporary withdrawal from schools and work is recommended to reduce transmission. In pregnant women, monitoring must remain close throughout the pregnancy.

The main way to prevent rubella is vaccination. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Viral tetra also includes chickenpox. The national immunization schedule recommends doses starting in childhood and boosters at certain times. Adults without a vaccination card can receive the vaccine, provided they are not pregnant.

Certain additional measures contribute to protection:

• Keep your vaccination record up to date.
• Avoid close contact with people with suspicious spots on their skin.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with respiratory secretions.
• Seek healthcare if you have compatible symptoms.

Rubella appears less frequently today due to widespread vaccination. However, this requires constant vigilance. Maintaining high vaccination coverage reduces the risk of new epidemics and primarily protects pregnant women and babies.