MED INSIDER–DR RIA MASLOG
German Measles
Let us re visit German measles because i saw 2 cases of this disease this week.
Rubella or German Measles is an acute infection caused by the rubella virus and it has these manifestations:
– fever
– exanthem
– retroauricular and suboccipital adenopathy
The incubation period of Rubella is 2 to 3 weeks and it will simulate mild measles.
It will start as a low grade fever with mild catarrhal symptoms. A pinkish maculopapular rash can be seen on the face and the chest which will spread to the extremities and will last for 2-3 days leaving no pigmentation nor desquamation.
The retroauricular and suboccipital adenopathy will appear about the third to the fifth day. Some will have muscle pains and body malaise. The duration of the disease is about 5 to 7 days.
The prognosis of Rubella as a whole is good and treatment is symptomatic. As prevention, a live rubella virus vaccine is available and is recommended from 1 year to puberty. It is given as a routine childhood immunization in combination with measles and mumps. A booster dose may be given at 1yr and 3 months and at 4-6 years old.