Rubella

Rubella

The lifetime immunity to measles was once infected by rubella. A virus RNA

It is a droplet infection that spreads through nasal discharge.

Symptoms and Complications

The head and neck are often where the red rash that characterizes rubella first appears. The rash doesn't form for most patients until Day 17 or Day 18 following exposure, which is 14 to 21 days after infection.

A prodrome (warning symptoms) can occur in certain persons and includes fever, enlarged glands (especially behind the ear), general pains, and weariness. These symptoms are more prevalent in adults than in children and linger for 1 to 5 days before the rash shows up. The fever goes away after the rash starts.

The rash usually consists of small red or pink spots that may be itchy. It tends to spread down the body, disappearing from the head as it reaches the trunk. It usually lasts about 3 to 5 days. Other possible symptoms include:

• Headache.
• Mild conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
• Runny nose.

Nursing Management

• Isolation for seven days after the rash starts.
• Vaccination of nearby individuals within two days of exposure.
• Measles leads to severe undernourishment and vitamin 'A' deficiency, so cases of rubella should receive adequate nutrition as well as vitamin 'A' supplementation.
• Rubella has no known treatment, just like the measles and the majority of other viral diseases.
• If they have not already done so, both partners in a couple planning to have children should get vaccinated.
• The vaccination offers lifetime protection to more than 95% of recipients.