Rubella, commonly known as German measles, is a disease caused by the rubella virus. The name "rubella" is derived from the Latin, meaning little red. Rubella is also known as German measles because the disease was first described by German physicians in the mid-eighteenth century. This disease is often mild and attacks often pass unnoticed. The disease can last one to three days. Children recover more quickly than adults.[1]
Infection of the mother by Rubella virus during pregnancy can be serious; if the mother is infected within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the child may be born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which entails a range of serious incurable illnesses. Spontaneous abortion occurs in up to 20% of cases.[2]
Rubella is caused by a virus that results in a rash, mild fever, and arthritis. It is spread from one child to another through direct contact with discharge from the nose and throat.
Infants and children who develop the disease usually only have a mild case of the rash and side effects. However, children who develop the disease in utero, or from their mother while she is pregnant, can have severe birth defects and consequences. It is also very dangerous for pregnant women to come in contact with someone who has rubella, because it may cause a miscarriage.[3]
Photo of Rubella (German Measles) the milder type of Measles
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Notes:
[1] Wikipedia
[2] ibid
[3] healthsystem.virginia.edu
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