Rubella

Rubella is a viral infectious disease that is transmitted by droplets (coughing, sneezing, etc.).

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Rubella is a viral infectious disease that is transmitted by droplets (coughing, sneezing, etc.). It is most often caught between the ages of 5 and 9. Rubella is therefore classed as a childhood disease, but can occur at any age. The disease presents with a skin rash that starts behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. It is accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Symptoms

General

Incubation period: 2-3 weeks
In spite of having caught the disease, children are often asymptomatic (approx. 50% of cases)

Typical symptoms

Slight impairment of general health
- Mild progression is usual (the younger, the milder)
Reddened eyes (conjunctivitis)
Runny nose
Headaches and joint pain
Slight fever
Swollen and painful lymph nodes (neck and behind the ears)
Skin rash
- Starts behind the ears
- Spreads to the rest of the body
- Flat or slightly raised spots, unconnected
- Red or pale
- Itching
- Rash disappears after approx. 4 days

Risk groups

Pregnant women who have never had rubella or a rubella vaccination
- Risk of congenital rubella syndrome (birth defects in unborn child)
Immunocompromised persons (cancer, autoimmune disorders, AIDS)
Older people

Complications

Arthritis, joint pains (in particular older children)
Blood-clotting disorders (bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes, nosebleeds)
Rarely, cerebral inflammation (headaches, disorientation, spasms)

Causes and treatment

Causes

Pathogen: rubella virus
Transmission
- Droplet infection (coughing, sneezing, surfaces, etc.)
- Mother to unborn child (via placenta)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination
Blood test
Search for pathogen, if necessary
- Symptoms aren't always clear
- E.g. to assess risk for pregnant women

Possible therapies

Treatment of symptoms
- Painkillers and fever-reducing medication
- Anti-itching cream/lotion

What can I do myself?

Childhood rubella vaccination
- Recommended by Swiss vaccination schedule
- MMR vaccination (measles-mumps-rubella)
Fever
- Moist cold calf wraps
Itching
- Cooling compresses (quark, yoghurt)
If patient still wants children: check vaccination status (get rubella vaccination, if necessary)
Pregnancy: avoid contact with persons who have or are suspected to have rubella

When to see a doctor?

Pregnant women or immunocompromised persons with symptoms of rubella:
- Feeling unwell, fever
- Skin rash, swollen lymph nodes
Signs of complications
- Stiff neck
- Severe headaches
- Disorientation
- Spasms
- High fever
- Punctiform bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes, nosebleeds