RTS - Rubella, Measles, Meningitis Flashcards
What causes rubella?
viral infection
- rubella virus = togavirus
What is the incubation period, infection period and rash period of rubella?
incubation period = 12-23 days (2-3 weeks)
infection period = infectious 1-2 weeks before the rash appears and 1-2 weeks after the rash disappears
rash period = 3-5 days
Is rubella contagious?
rubella is contagious
- spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions
- cough and sneeze
How does rubella affect pregnant women?
can spread to the fetus can be fatal to the fetus - miscarriage - organ defects - growth delay - deafness
How does rash spread on the body?
Rubella
rash starts on the face and spreads to the trunk of the body then the limbs (arms and legs)
What are the symptoms of rubella?
fine red spots
- blanch with pressure
- not as confluent as measles
appearance of spots is followed by
- runny nose
- mild cough
- sore throat
- red, inflamed eyes
- headache
- often enlarged glands at the head, neck and back of ears
- women often get painful joints = wrists, knees
What are practical measures for rubella?
no cure
symptomatic treatment
drink water - to not become dehydrates
analgesics for pain and fever - paracetamol, ibuprofen
What causes measles?
viral infection
- paramyxovirus family
Is measles contagious?
highly contagious
- spread by contact with nasal and throat secretions
- coughs and sneezes
What are symptoms of measles?
preceded by: harsh cough, high fever, cough, conjunctivitis, a runny nose and diarrhoea (common)
two days later: small white spots appear on inner cheeks and gums = Koplik spots are diagnostic
rash appears: red/brown small patches, blanch if pressed, can merge if many are present, take 3 days to spread and fade after 3 days
What are practical measures for measles?
no cure, symptomatic treatment
drink water - stay hydrated
analgesics for fever and pain relief = paracetamol, ibuprofen
clean eyes with damp cotton wool
When should measles be referred?
immediate referral - highly contagious
must contact local health protection that monitors measles incidence
What causes meningitis?
bacterial or viral infection
- bacterial is rare but much more serious
Is meningitis contagious?
contagious
- spread by nasal and throat secretions
- cough, sneeze, kissing and sharing utensils
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
flu-like symptoms = non-specific
- fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, irritabiltity, cold hands and feet, light sensitivity, stiff neck and leg pains (stiff), lethargic
rash
- starts as small red pinpricks
- become red and purple blotches that do not blanch = due to blood leaking out of capillaries
