Encephalitis occurs in 1 out of 5000–6000 cases of rubella -the presentation can be dramatic but
fatalities are rare
and most patients recover completely without sequelae-; thrombocytopenia develops in 1 out of 3000 cases; transient polyarthralgia and polyarthritis are common complications in adolescents and adults, …
How dangerous is rubella?
Rubella infection is
dangerous because of its ability to damage an unborn baby
. If rubella immunization was discontinued, immunity to rubella would decline and rubella disease would return. The danger would be to pregnant women who, if infected, could pass the disease to their infants (fetuses) causing CRS.
Can you die from rubella?
Rubella (German measles) is a viral illness that causes a skin rash and joint pain. A rubella infection is mild for most people, but
can cause death or birth defects in an unborn baby
. The rubella vaccine is available in combined vaccines that also contain vaccines against other serious and potentially fatal diseases.
What happens if you leave rubella untreated?
If left untreated, the infection can lead to
ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death
.
Who is most at risk for rubella?
Key facts. Rubella is a contagious viral infection that occurs most often in
children and young adults
. Rubella is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome.
Can you get rubella twice?
A single rubella infection usually offers lifelong immunity for most people. Although
unlikely
, it is still possible to contract rubella even if you have had a vaccination or a previous rubella infection.
How long is rubella contagious?
A person with rubella may spread the disease to others up to one week before the rash appears, and remain contagious
up to 7 days after
. However, 25% to 50% of people infected with rubella do not develop a rash or have any symptoms, but they still spread it to others.
Does rubella cause brain damage?
In rare cases, rubella can cause serious problems, including
brain infections
and bleeding problems. liver or spleen damage.
How serious is rubella in adults?
Adults (especially young women) may have aching joints, headache, and pink eye before the rash appears. Up to 70 percent of women who get rubella may experience arthritis; this is rare in children and men. In rare cases, rubella
can cause serious problems
, including brain infections and bleeding problems.
What disease does rubella cause?
Rubella can cause a
miscarriage or serious birth defects
in a developing baby if a woman is infected while she is pregnant. The best protection against rubella is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Rubella is still common in other countries.
Can rubella immunity wear off?
Almost everyone who receives the vaccine has immunity to rubella. Immunity means that your body has built a defense to the rubella virus.
In some adults, the vaccine may wear off
. This means they are not fully protected.
What country is rubella most common?
China
is the top country by rubella cases in the world. As of 2020, rubella cases in China was 2,202 that accounts for 21.60% of the world’s rubella cases. The top 5 countries (others are Mozambique, India, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria) account for 65.50% of it.
How long does rubella immunity last?
At least 95% of vaccinated persons age 12 months or older develop serologic evidence of rubella immunity after a single dose, and more than 90% have protection against clinical rubella for
at least 15 years
. Follow-up studies indicate that 1 dose of vaccine confers long-term, probably lifelong, protection.
Can rubella cause blindness?
Rubella has been linked to
cataracts, glaucoma and retinal degeneration
during the development of the baby in the mother’s womb.
What does rubella look like?
The main symptom of rubella is a
red or pink spotty rash
. The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella. The rash starts behind the ears and spreads to the head, neck, and body. The rash can be hard to see on dark skin, but might feel rough or bumpy.
How can rubella be prevented?
Rubella can be prevented
with MMR vaccine
. This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
