Daily News Analysis

Rubella

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  • 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

 

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