Rubella (German Measles) What is rubella (German
measles)?Rubella is a viral illness that results in a viral
exanthem. Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption.
It is spread from one child to another through direct contact
with discharge from the nose and throat. Pregnant women who have
been exposed to rubella need to seek medical attention
immediately. What causes rubella?Rubella is caused by a virus,
called a Rubivirus. It can be spread from a pregnant mother to
the unborn child, or from secretions from another infected
person. It is most prevalent in late winter and early spring.
Rubella is preventable by proper immunization with the rubella
vaccine. What are the symptoms of rubella?The disease itself
does not have any long-term consequences. The biggest concern is
to prevent an affected child from infecting a pregnant woman. It
may take between 14 to 21 days for a child to develop signs of
rubella after coming in contact with the disease. It is
important to know that a child is most contagious