German Measles Prevention
October 3, 2009
German measles or rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus. It lasts for about 3 days. It is hence also known as 3-day measles. German measles is a mild illness that affects the skin and the lymph nodes. Although, German measles is not harmful for children and adults, but it is potentially harmful for pregnant women.
German measles symptoms
Mild fever, around 99 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, along with pink or light red rashes are the common symptoms of German measles. The rash usually appears on the face first, gradually spreading downwards. The fever might last for 1 to 2 days. The rash might itch. The rash starts healing after three days. The lymph nodes behind the neck and ear might swell. In adults and teens, German measles may cause loss of appetite, headache, inflammation in the eyelids and mild conjunctivitis. In some cases it can cause runny nose, inflammation in other lymph nodes of the body and inflammation and pain in the joints.
How German measles spread
German measles is a contagious disease. Coming in contact with the saliva and mucus of the person infected with the disease causes the infection to spread. German measles virus can also spread through urine and body fluid of the infected person. The infection is most contagious between one week before and one week after the measles rashes appear.
German measles and pregnancy
German measles infection in pregnant women increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defects in infants. Childhood deafness, heart and brain damage and cataract can occur in infant whose mother has suffered from German measles during pregnancy. The risk of birth defects is highest if the mother contracts the disease within the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Vaccination
German measles or rubella could only be prevented through vaccination. MMR vaccine protects children from contracting this infection. However, vaccination is not given during pregnancy. A woman could receive rubella vaccine at least one month before conception. If a woman is not protected by rubella vaccination, to prevent German measles, she should stay away from people suffering from German measles during pregnancy.
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