What is Rubella?

Rubella (Rubella) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It usually causes a mild infection, but in pregnant women it can cause serious consequences that can affect the fetus. Rubella virus is usually transmitted through droplets released into the air during coughing and sneezing. In infected people, symptoms may include fever, red rash, headache, and eye irritation.
If transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, rubella can cause serious congenital anomalies and developmental problems. For this reason, the rubella vaccine is often combined with measles and mumps vaccines, and these vaccines are routinely administered at younger ages.
What are the Symptoms of Rubella?
Symptoms usually appear approximately 14-21 days after exposure to rubella virus. The rash usually spreads within a few days and the healing process begins within the same period of time. Rubella is generally a mild disease, but it can pose a serious risk for pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to contact a healthcare professional when symptoms are noticed. Additionally, vaccination is an effective method of preventing the spread of rubella.
Symptoms of rubella may include:
- Pink rashes may appear starting from the face and spreading throughout the body.
- A high fever may be a symptom of infection.
- Pain and irritation may occur in the throat.
- Eye redness and irritation may occur.
- Severe headache may occur.
- Pain, fatigue and weakness may be felt in the body.
- An increase in the number of white blood cells may be observed.
What are the Causes of Rubella?
Rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus. People usually get rubella from contact with a person infected with the virus. The virus spreads primarily through patient respiratory secretions. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can be released into the air and infection can occur in people who breathe in droplets containing this virus.
Additionally, if a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it can lead to serious complications, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Rubella infection during this period can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the unborn baby, which can lead to various congenital abnormalities and developmental problems. Therefore, it is important to be vaccinated against rubella during pregnancy. Vaccination is an effective method of preventing rubella infection.
How to Diagnose Rubella?
The diagnosis of rubella is usually based on clinical symptoms, the patient’s history, and laboratory test results. The physician will evaluate the symptoms experienced by the patient, examine the course of the disease, and order laboratory tests if necessary. Rubella is usually diagnosed with blood tests to detect rubella antibodies. These tests measure the body’s immune response to the virus.
The diagnosis of rubella is also supported by the doctor’s evaluation along with clinical symptoms. In particular, rubella-specific symptoms such as high fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes are taken into consideration. The physician diagnoses rubella based on the patient’s symptoms, disease history and laboratory results and initiates the appropriate treatment process.
How to Treat Rubella?
Treatment for rubella generally relies on symptomatic support and rest, because rubella is a viral infection and antiviral medications are not usually used. Patients are advised to relax, drink plenty of fluids, have a light and nutritious diet, control fever with antipyretics, and appropriate treatments for symptoms. Additionally, isolation is recommended until the person recovers completely, because rubella is an infectious disease.
Protection through vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing rubella outbreaks. Therefore, proper participation in vaccination programs can reduce the spread of rubella and other infectious diseases. When the disease is encountered, it is important to apply appropriate treatment methods to make the disease mild and reduce the risk of complications. The course of treatment may vary depending on the individual’s health status, the severity of their symptoms, and other factors.
What is the Difference Between Measles and Rubella?
The differences between measles and rubella are important. Measles is a disease caused by the virus called Morbillivirus and is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, eye redness and white spots. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially conditions such as otitis media, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Transmission occurs by airborne droplet infection and can be prevented by measles, mumps and rubella vaccination.
Rubella, on the other hand, is a disease triggered by the Rubella virus and is marked by mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, and mild red rashes. Rubella is usually mild, but in pregnant women it can cause serious congenital abnormalities that can affect the fetus. Transmission occurs through nasal and oral secretions, and the rubella vaccine is part of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Vaccination is important to protect against both diseases.