Rubella Flashcards
1
Q
Define
A
‘German measles’ caused by a Togavirus, spread through sneezing/coughing SIMILAR TO MEASLES
Incubation period = 6-21 days
Infective period = 1 week before to 5 days after rash onset
Illness = for 7-10 days
2
Q
Symptoms
A
Prodrome = mild fever / asymptomatic
Pink maculopapular rash (face -> whole body), fades in 3-5 days
- 20% -> Forchheimer spots (red spots on soft palate)
- Lymphadenopathy (suboccipital, postauricular)
No Koplik spots or conjunctivitis
3
Q
Investigations
A
Rubella serology (IgG and IgM) from oral fluid test
RT-PCR (2nd line)
4
Q
Management
A
Notify HPU, isolate for 4 days after development of rash
Supportive (virus; fluids, analgesia, rest)
Safety net the complications – haemorrhagic complications due to thrombocytopenia
* Complications are RARE in childhood (but include: arthritis, encephalitis, thrombocytopaenia and myocarditis)
