Definition:
German measles, commonly known as rubella, is a disease caused by Rubella virus.
Diagnosis:
The presence of these antibodies along with, or a short time after, the particular rash confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Symptoms are typically treated with paracetamol until the disease has run its course. Treatment of newly born babies is concentrated on management of the complications. Congenital heart defects and cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Management for ocular CRS is similar to that for age-related macular degeneration, including regular monitoring, counseling, and the provision of low vision devices, if required.
Symptoms and Signs:
After an incubation period of 14-21 days, the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is the occurrence of a rash (exanthem) on the face which spreads to the trunk and limbs and usually fades after three days. Other symptoms include low grade fever, swollen glands (post cervical lymphadenopathy), joint pains, conjunctivitis, and headache. The swollen glands or lymph nodes can persist for up to a week and the fever rarely rises above 38 degrees celsius. The rash typically disappears after a few days with no staining or peeling of the skin. Forchheimer's sign occurs in 20% of cases, and is marked by small, red papules on the area of the soft palate.
Causes:
The disease is brought about by Rubella virus, a togavirus that is enveloped and has a single-stranded RNA genome.
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