| Definition
|
Infectious disease
caused by the rubella virus. |
| Season
|
Late winter or early
spring. |
| Susceptibility
|
Any non-immunized
person. |
| Symptoms
|
| 1. |
In 25%-50% of the
cases, no symptoms may manifest. |
| 2. |
Sometimes there is
slight fever with enlarged cervical gland (particularly the occipital glands).
This may be accompanies by flat, red, pink spots on the face, which looks like
a rash, and which may spread to the body and roof of the mouth. |
|
| Cause
|
Rubella virus. |
| Transmission
|
Through
droplets or direct contact. The infectious period is 7 - 10 days
before the rash appears until 7 day after the rash disappears. |
| Incubation
Period
|
Anywhere from 14-21
days. |
| Duration
of Illness
|
A few hours to 4-5
days. |
| Treatment
|
| 1. |
Call the doctor
especially so if a non-immune pregnant woman is exposed. |
| 2. |
Usually no treatment. |
|
| Preventions
|
| 1. |
MMR vaccine given
within the 1st two years. |
| 2. |
An attack confers
life-long immunity. |
|
| Complications |
| 1. |
Very rarely. |
| 2. |
Thrombocytopenia or
Encephalitis.
|
|
