Daily News Analysis

Rubella

stylish_lining

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem.This achievement means Nepal has effectively controlled rubella transmission to a very low level, protecting public health.

    1. What is Rubella?

  • Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection, best known for its distinctive red rash.

  • It is also called German measles or three-day measles.

  • Though rubella and measles share some symptoms like the rash, they are caused by different viruses.

  • Rubella is generally less infectious and less severe than measles.

  • The virus causing rubella is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus.

    1. How Does Rubella Spread?

  • The rubella virus spreads from person to person through:

    • Coughing or sneezing (airborne droplets).

    • Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.

  • It can also spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

  • Importantly, people can be contagious even without showing symptoms.

    1. Symptoms of Rubella

  • Many people experience mild or no symptoms.

  • The main symptom is a spotty red rash that:

    • Starts on the face or behind the ears.

    • Spreads to the neck and body.

  • The rash usually appears 2 to 3 weeks after infection.

    1. Risks During Pregnancy

  • If a woman is infected with rubella early in pregnancy, there is a 90% chance the virus will pass to the fetus.

  • This can lead to:

    • Fetal death or miscarriage.

    • Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), causing severe birth defects.

  • Infants with CRS may:

    • Excrete the virus for over a year.

    • Suffer from hearing impairments, eye defects, heart problems.

    • Experience lifelong disabilities such as autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction.

    1. Prevention of Rubella

  • The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective prevention method.

  • The vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing lifelong protection against rubella.

    1. Treatment of Rubella

  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella.

  • Mild symptoms are managed with:

    • Bed rest.

    • Medicines to reduce fever and relieve discomfort

 

2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China in 2025 brought together the heads of state of member countries to address a broad spectrum of issues, including secu
Share It

India’s Carbon Emissions Trading System

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made a significant stride in India’s climate strategy by setting up the National Designated Authority (NDA) to implement a
Share It

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend various provisions across several central acts with the goal of decriminalizing offences and promoting
Share It

Fair and Representative Global Order

India’s External Affairs Minister recently called for a fair and representative global order during the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. The statement highlights the growing need for reforms
Share It

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Recently, Unity Small Finance Bank and BharatPe launched India's first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network. This innovative product allows users to pay for their purchases in full or c
Share It

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Why in News? Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have gained prominence for their vital role in promoting collective action, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. They serve as cata
Share It

Supreme Court (SC) on Social Media Influencers

The Supreme Court (SC) has recently weighed in on the issue of social media influencers making derogatory remarks, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between free speech and the dignity of v
Share It

Mitochondrial Protein Import

Recent research from Caltech University has revealed new insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import, challenging the traditional understanding and offering a more complex view of
Share It

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nomination of two new members to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the re-nomination of three existing members fo
Share It

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have made significant strides in deepening their economic partnership, with the recent signing of the Terms of Refer
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS