Rubella
Overview
A contagious viral infection caused by the Rubella virus which produces a rash and lymph node swelling. It can have serious implication in pregnant women as the virus can be transmitted through the placenta and cause serious fetal defects or even fetal death.
Symptoms
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Rubella includes the 25 symptoms listed below: * Stage 1: fever and related symptoms (often mild and sometimes not even noticed in adults): Mild fever Headache Shivering Swollen lymph glands Tender lymph glands Swollen neck lymph glands Tender neck lymph glands Runny nose Malaise High fever - not common Lassitude Temporary joint stiffness * Stage 2: rash with pink spots (in addition to symptoms of Stage 1): Tiny pink spots Pink spots on face Pink spots on neck Pink spots spreading to body Red throat * Rash * Malaise * Fever * Lymph node swelling * Headache * Anorexia
Causes
The disease is caused by Rubella virus, a togavirus that is enveloped and has a single-stranded RNA genome.[6] The virus is transmitted by the respiratory route and replicates in the nasopharynx and lymph nodes. The virus is found in the blood 5 to 7 days after infection and spreads throughout the body. It is capable of crossing the placenta and infecting the fetus where it stops cells from developing or destroys them.[3] Increased susceptibility to infection might be inherited as there is some indication that HLA-A1 or factors surrounding A1 on extended haplotypes are be involved in virus infection or non-resolution of the disease
Diagnosis
Rubella virus specific IgM antibodies are present in people recently infected by Rubella virus but these antibodies can persist for over a year and a positive test result needs to be interpreted with caution.[9] The presence of these antibodies along with, or a short time after, the characteristic rash confirms the diagnosis.[
Prognosis
The 'prognosis' of Rubella usually refers to the likely outcome of Rubella. The prognosis of Rubella may include the duration of Rubella, chances of complications of Rubella, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery, recovery period for Rubella, survival rates, death rates, and other outcome possibilities in the overall prognosis of Rubella. Naturally, such forecast issues are by their nature unpredictable.
Treatment
* Symptomatic and supportive treatment * Bed rest * Fluids * Normal diet * Mild pain relief - if needed