Rubella
is an illness caused by a virus that can result in a rash, mild fever, or
arthritis
. Pregnant women who have rubella are at increased risk for miscarriage and their babies may be born with severe birth defects, including mental retardation, behavior problems, vision problems, heart defects, and/or an increased risk of
diabetes
throughout life.
Rubella is passed from person to person through tiny droplets in the air.
Before the rubella vaccine was licensed in 1969, thousands of people developed rubella each year. But in 2004, there were only nine cases of rubella reported in the United States.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Flushed face
- Red throat (although not sore)
- Fever
- Headache
- Achy joints and arthritis (especially in adults)
- Red, spotty rash all over the body
The rash and fever associated with rubella generally last for 2-3 days.
There is no treatment for rubella, but taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) can make an infected person feel more comfortable.
Although the rubella vaccine is available as a single preparation, it is recommended it be given as a combination vaccine called the MMR vaccine (protects against
measles
,
mumps
, and rubella.)
The MMR vaccine is made from weakened live viruses. It is given by injection and should be stored in a refrigerator prior to administration.
Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, one at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
Adults who have not had the vaccine or the disease should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Like any vaccine, the MMR vaccine could cause serious problems, such as a severe allergic reaction. While most people don’t have any problems with the MMR vaccine, some have reported mild problems, such as fever, a mild rash, or swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck. Moderate problems, including seizure caused by fever, temporary pain and stiffness in the joints, and low platelet count, have also been reported. Very rarely, serious allergic reaction, deafness, long-term seizures,
coma
, lowered consciousness, and permanent brain damage have been reported after an MMR vaccination.
Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of MMR vaccine should not receive the vaccine. Also, people who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting the vaccination. Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine until after they have given birth, and women should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the vaccine.
People who have a condition that affects the immune system (eg, HIV/AIDS), who are being treated with drugs that affect the immune system (eg, long-term steroids), who have cancer or are being treated for cancer, who have ever had a low blood platelet count, or who have had a blood transfusion should consult their doctor before getting the MMR vaccine.
Widespread vaccination against rubella has resulted in its virtual elimination in the United States, but it is important to avoid contact with people who may have been exposed to the disease in order to prevent it.
Since rubella is so now rare in the United States, even one case is considered potential for an outbreak. In the event of a potential outbreak, members of households, workplaces, universities, jails, and communities with rubella-infected persons will be assessed to determine whether they might have rubella.
Once rubella cases are identified, patients should be isolated for 5-7 days after the rash began. Furthermore, people in contact with the infected person should be vaccinated if they are eligible for the vaccine. It is important to identify and test all pregnant women for rubella immunity. These women should avoid activities where they may be exposed to an infected person up to six weeks after symptoms have been seen in that person.
