What is it?
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that often occurs in childhood. It is caused by rubella virus, which spreads through direct contact of the saliva or mucus of someone infected with the virus, or via respiratory droplets in the air from an infected person who coughs and sneezes. A vaccine is available against Rubella virus.
What are the symptoms?
Rubella can manifest with the following:
- Distinctive red rash over the body (may start over the face and neck then to the lower body, arms and legs.
- Mild fever.
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
- Red eyes.
- Headache.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Joint pains.
- Enlarge, tender lymph nodes around the neck.
What to expect?
Seek immediate medical help if you or your child has been diagnosed with rubella and:
- You or your child gets sicker and sicker or gets lethargic.
- You or your child becomes short of breath.
- You or your child keeps vomiting and/or doesn’t drink enough.
Other things you can do when you or your child has been diagnosed by a health professional with rubella:
- Increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
- Painkillers such as paracetamol may relieve pain and fever.
- Rubella is dangerous for pregnant woman as it can harm the unborn baby. Avoid contact with pregnant woman and consider informing all pregnant woman you have been in contact with that you have rubella.