Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection. The disease usually has a mild course but can cause miscarriage or severe congenital malformations in the fetus (Congenital Rubella Syndrome – CRS) if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy. CRS can lead to deafness, cataracts, and learning disabilities.
Transmission
Rubella is transmitted through the respiratory route (sneezing, coughing, etc.). Infected individuals are most contagious at the onset of the rash, but they can transmit the virus 7 days before the rash appears and remain contagious for 7 days after its appearance.
Symptoms
- fever
- skin rash (initially on the face, then spreading to the rest of the body)
- swollen lymph nodes
- joint pain
- fatigue
Approximately 25–50% of people infected with the rubella virus do not develop a rash or other symptoms.
Complications
- encephalitis
- arthritis (up to 70% of women)
- deafness
- intellectual disability
- heart malformations
- cataracts
- glaucoma
- blindness
Rubella infection can rarely cause severe symptoms, but it is most dangerous for pregnant women, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In 20–40% of cases, it can cause congenital rubella, which may result in:
- miscarriage
- congenital malformations (heart, eyes, ears)
- chronic progressive congenital disease
Prevention
The only method of prevention is vaccination. The rubella vaccine is included in the national immunization schedule and is part of the MMR vaccine (measles – mumps – rubella), which provides protection against all three diseases.
It is administered to infants before the age of 12 months, with a booster dose between the ages of 5 and 7 years.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective — one dose provides up to 97% protection against rubella. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), adolescents and adults are also recommended to receive the MMR vaccine.
