Rubella is a mild, contagious viral illness, affecting mostly children. It is the most serious when a pregnant women contracts the disease during the first 3 or 4 months of pregnancy. It is likely to cause serious birth defects to the unborn baby. Rubella has significantly decreased due to immunization in the U.S.
Causes of Rubella
Rubella is caused by infection with a RNA virus. It is spread by person-to-person contact, and patients are contagious from 1 week before the rash appears until 1 week after it fades.
Signs and Symptoms of Rubella
Symptoms of Rubella include fever, muscle aches and stiffness, especially in the neck. A red rash on the head and body occurs after the second or third day and usually last for one or two days. Fatigue and headache are common. Lumps, which represent swollen lymph nodes, may be felt in the sides of the neck. Some adults will experience joint pain, or arthralgia.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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