Introduction
Rubella is an acute viral disease caused by the rubella virus. It refers to a ubiquitous disease affecting many individuals. With the availability of vaccines and the knowledge of their potential risks, it is imperative that society prioritizes vaccination to prevent the spread of rubella and safeguard the health of both current and future generations. Rubella, while often presenting mild symptoms, should not be underestimated as it can have devastating consequences, especially when contracted during pregnancy.
Etiology
Rubella is an RNA virus from the family Togaviridae. It is mainly transmitted by airborne droplets, with less frequent infection occurring through household objects and tactile contact (Leung et al., 2019). The rubella pathogen easily crosses the hemoplacental barrier, passing to the fetus from the mother. The virus can contaminate the compartments of the respiratory tract and lymph nodes, spreading throughout the body via the blood.
Signs and Symptoms
The infection often runs in a mild form, and many young patients do not notice any signs. The first symptoms occur about two to three weeks after the virus has entered the body (Winter & Moss, 2022). A specific red rash first appears on the face and then spreads throughout the body. Characteristic places where the rash appears are the buttocks, back, and soles of the feet (Winter & Moss, 2022). As a rule, symptoms persist for 3-4 weeks, after which there is a full recovery.
In some cases, rubella symptoms may resemble those of a cold. In adult patients, the picture is somewhat different:
- The symptoms of rubella are more pronounced.
- Rashes often merge into separate large formations.
- More extensive treatment is required.
In women, more often than in men, there is pain in several joints at once (Winter & Moss, 2022). Thus, the disease has a distinctive symptomatology that stands out primarily because of the characteristic red rash.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of rubella is often based on clinical symptoms and contact history. However, laboratory testing using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) may be required for a definitive diagnosis and to rule out other possible diseases. Diagnosis of rubella in grown-ups includes interviewing the patient and external examination. At this stage, whether the rubella vaccination was performed, when the last one was received, and a detailed collection of the clinical picture and all incarnations during the inactive incubation course are determined (Winter & Moss, 2022). At the time of hives’ indication, it becomes pertinent to perform laboratory examinations to detect antibodies to the virus. The following procedures are regarded as the most enlightening among physicians:
- Serodiagnosis is founded on blood analysis to detect the titers of M and G antibodies (Winter & Moss, 2022).
- Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is the best method of catching positive rubella titer and is established by synthesizing the abovementioned methods.
Treatment and Prognosis
There is no specific treatment to destroy the virus; therefore, doctors are concerned with relieving the symptoms of rubella and eliminating complications. Rest, hydration, and antiviral drugs may be recommended in case of a severe disease course (Leung et al., 2019). It is essential to isolate the patient from others to prevent the spread of the virus.
Most patients with rubella have a favorable prognosis and fully recover without serious complications (Winter & Moss, 2022). However, during pregnancy, disease with the rubella virus can direct to genetic disabilities in the fetus, such as glaucoma, deafness, heart anomalies, and cognitive retardation. Timely vaccination prevents infection in 95% of cases (Leung et al., 2019). After vaccination or the disease, a person develops lifelong immunity.
Summary
Rubella is a viral disease caused by the Rubella virus and is characterized by skin rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. It is transmitted through droplet and contact routes and can cause serious complications in pregnancy. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Treatment is usually symptomatic, and prognosis depends on the age and health status of the patient. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent rubella and its complications.
References
Leung, A. K., Hon, K. L., & Leong, K. F. (2019). Rubella (German measles) revisited. Hong Kong Medical Journal, 25(2), 134. Web.
Winter, A. K., & Moss, W. J. (2022). Rubella. The Lancet, 399(10332), 1336-1346. Web.