Rubella

Question 1

For rubella, state:

- Causes and incubation, as well as how long it remains infectious for

Answer 1

• Caused by the rubella virus
• Incubation period: 14-21 days
• Infectious for 7 days before and at least 4 days after appearance of the rash

Question 2

For rubella, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

• Inhalation of droplets from an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze nearby
• Contact with contaminated hands, tissues or objects
• Pregnant women infected with the rubella virus early in pregnancy have a 90% chance of passing the virus on to her fetus

Question 3

For rubella, state:

- General signs and symptoms (7)

Answer 3

Often mild or no symptoms, but may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Pink to very red blotchy rash
• Large swollen lymph nodes(1-2cm)
• Joint pain

Question 4

For rubella, state:

- Oral signs and symptoms (3)

Answer 4

• Forchheimer’s signs
• Early sign of the infection in approximately 20% of patients
• Small, discrete, dark-red papules on the soft and hard palate occur in some cases

Question 5

For rubella, state:

• Vaccination as prevention (2)
• Treatment (4)

Answer 5

Vaccination doses:
• Immunisation (MMR) at 12 months
• Immunisation (MMRV) at 18 months

Treatment:
• Keep child home for at least 4 days after onset of the rash
• No effective antiviral treatment
• Maintain fluid uptake
• Symptomatic care: antipyretic agents (non-aspirin) may reduce discomfort