Is rubella contagious and how is it transmitted?

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh - Pediatrician - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

Rubella (German measles) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The disease can be mild and self-healing, but in pregnant women it is extremely dangerous because of the potential to cause birth defects. Learning about Rubella and how to take precautions is essential to protect the health of both mother and child.

Rubella is a name derived from the Latin word, meaning "small red spot". The causative agent of the disease is an RNA virus, belonging to the Togavirus group. This is a benign typhus infection, not dangerous but quite serious because if a woman is in the first trimester of pregnancy, Rubella has the potential to cause birth defects in the fetus.

The only reservoir for the rubella virus is in humans. Therefore, the infected person is the only source of infection. Rubella virus is present in the nose and throat of an infected person. Children with congenital Rubella syndrome will excrete many viruses in oropharyngeal secretions, in urine and that is also a source of infection for contact people. If there is direct exposure to mucus from the nose, throat, coughs, sneezes or other excretory products (urine) can become infected. People infected with Rubella are usually contagious from 7 days before to 7 days after the onset of the rash. In other words, even before the rash appears, a person infected with Rubella has a potential risk of spreading the disease to others.
Any individual can be susceptible. Anyone who has never had Rubella or has never been vaccinated against Rubella can get it. Sensitivity for adults ranges from 6 to 11%. Children under 12 months of age are at higher risk because they have not been vaccinated with active immunization, while infants are protected until about 6 to 9 months of age through maternal antibodies. through breast milk. This safe time depends on the available maternal antibody levels.

Rubella usually presents with fever, rash and lymphadenopathy. A rash is a sign people should look out for. The rash initially appears on the head and face, then develops all over the body, often not as sequentially as measles. The rash is round or oval in shape, about 1-2 mm in diameter, the nodules can be clustered or stand alone. Within 24 hours, a rash appeared all over the body. However, symptoms persist for 3-4 days and then completely disappear on their own.
Children with Rubella caused by their mothers infected with Rubella will have more severe symptoms, called congenital Rubella syndrome. This syndrome includes growth retardation, thrombocytopenia bleeding, anemia, congenital heart disease, visual impairment, hearing loss, osteomyelitis, encephalitis, mental retardation. Statistics show that 20% of children with congenital rubella infection will have a risk of death.

Acquired Rubella is a mild, self-limiting illness that sometimes requires no treatment. Patients just need to rest, drink plenty of water and nutrients, and take vitamins. Antipyretic and pain relievers can be used if needed. However, there is no specific treatment for congenital rubella syndrome.
There is no way to prevent Rubella other than by active immunization, especially for women of childbearing age and school-age children. However, rubella vaccine should never be given to women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant within the next 1-3 months (when vaccinated, effective contraception must be used for 3 consecutive months). routine, including 1 month before vaccination and 2 months after).
In short, Rubella is a concern for both the public and pregnant women. The virus is very easily transmitted by contact and has serious consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to proactively prevent Rubella by vaccinating with appropriate vaccines for each object and age to actively prevent disease. Vinmec International General Hospital always deploys Rubella vaccination packages as well as measles, mumps, .... for all customers, especially children and women planning to become pregnant.