MMI MICROBIOLOGY assignment: Rubella 

RUBELLA 

What is Rubella? 

Rubella is a viral infection; also known as German Measles. Rubella is a very contagious viral infection mostly known for its rash. Rubella virus; a togavirus which is of the genus Ribivirus, is a enveloped single-stranded RNA virus. It is a single serotype which can not cross-react with any other togaviruses. 

Pathogenesis of Rubella 

Rubella virus enters in the respiratory tract and from there it goes into the blood, the lymphs, the organs and the skin. 

How is it caused and spread? 

Rubella is spread from person to person once an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

There is also direct contact spread through the mucous or the nose. Rubella is very serious in pregnant women; especially if it is in the first trimester. Rubella virus is said to be teratogenic and therefore might cross the placenta which can cause fetal infections or abnormalities; if the virus is acquired in the fetus very early it may be cause serious consequences such as; many defects of the eye, ear, heart or impaired fetal growth. Humans are the only knows hosts of the rubella virus.

Symptoms of Rubella include: 

Rubella can be a mild infection as well as an asymptomatic infection.

Symptoms include: 

  1. Low grade to mild fever 

  2. Runny or stuffy nose

  3. Lymphadenopathy 

  4. Pinkish rash that starts at the face and rapidly spread to the trunk, and the arms/legs

  5. Aching joints 

  6. Headache 

  7. Itchy eyes

The signs and symptoms can show up later after a person has been infected and it could be two to three weeks after the person has been exposed to the virus. Symptoms are said to last about one to five days.


How is it diagnosed? 

Rubella can be diagnosed using samples from the throat, urine or blood to test for the virus.

When is a person considered to be contagious? 

With Rubella it is said that seven days before the rash or seven days after the rash a person is considered to be contagious. 

Treatment of Rubella:

There is no specific treatment therapy for Rubella; however the administration of the MMR vaccine has been proved to help decrease rubella cases. The first dose of MMR vaccine is recommended to be given at 12 to 15 months of age, and then a second dose is administered between 4 to 6 years of age. Rubella can be cleared on its own, however consult a physician if you may suspect your child or someone has been exposed to the virus, or signs and symptoms of rubella virus are showing. If a woman is considering getting pregnant, her physician will check her vaccination records or blood work if no record of the vaccine is documented.