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DESCRIPTION
German Measles, also called Rubella and is known as "three-day measles", is a mild but contagious viral infection that most often affects children. In most cases of rubella, symptoms appear within 12 to 23 days after exposure, and 20-50 percent of cases may be asymptomatic (without symptoms).
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Affects the lymph glands in the neck and behind the ears. Swelling may occur in the neck, causing soreness and pain.
Stiffness, mainly in the neck.
Coughing, runny nose and reddened eyes.
Fatigue.
Headache.
Mild fever.
Muscle aches and aching joints.
The pink rash first appears on the face and spreads one to five days later often develops to the rest of the body, head to toe. The rash may appear as flat or slightly raised red spots. Many people with rubella have few or no symptoms, and only about half of the people who have the disease get a rash. In most cases of rubella, symptoms appear within 16 to 18 days after exposure. Some people have swelling and redness of the joints. Rarely, people may have low counts of cells involved in blood clotting, called platelets. Encephalitis, an infection involving the brain, may also rarely occur.
CAUSES
Rubella is caused by a virus that is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Rubella is also spread by direct contact with the nasal or throat secretions of an infected person.
RUBELLA & PREGNANCY
Rubella (German Measles) is a mild illness that does not usually cause anything more than slight discomfort and rarely leads to complications. However, if a woman contracts the disease in her first trimester (the first three months) of pregnancy, before the fetus's organs are formed, it can cause serious birth defects or fetal death. Some of the birth defects that may occur in the fetus include deafness, cataracts, heart defects, liver and spleen damage/enlargement, and mental retardation. Low blood counts and a rash, often with purple skin lesions may occur. The communicable period probably begins two to four days before rash appears (some sources state it is contagious from 7 days before to 5-7 days after the rash appears), and the virus most often disappears from the nose and throat by the time the rash on the body disappears, one to three days after the onset of symptoms. However, because of the danger it poses to pregnant women, German measles should be considered contagious from one week before the rash appears until one week after the rash fades.
PREVENTION
Persons who have had German measles have immunity to the disease for life. A woman who has had German measles will pass immunity to any child she has for the first year of his or her life.
Many health care providers believe that children should be immunized against German measles (Rubella) at about 15 months of age and again a few years later. Non-pregnant women of childbearing age are advised to immunized also. People who should not be immunized include women who may be pregnant and individuals with impaired immune function, such as those with AIDS or cancer, or those currently taking cortisone or anticancer drugs or undergoing radiation therapy. Those with an illness that causes a fever should defer vaccination until healthy.
The vaccine is frequently given to adults and children as part of a combination vaccine, called the MMR vaccine, that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. There is also a vaccine that is given for rubella only.
Isolating an infected person can also help prevent spread of this infection. An infected person should stay home from school or work for 7 days after the rash appears. Infants exposed to the virus prior to their birth may be contagious for more than a year after birth. Special care should be taken to keep them away from people who haven't received the vaccine.
TREATMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
Antibiotics are useless against viruses, so they are not called for in the treatment of German measles (Rubella).
Persons who have had German measles have immunity to the disease for life. A woman who has had German measles will pass immunity to any child she has for the first year of his or her life.
Some parents, as an alternative to vaccinating their children, will purposely expose their child (or children) to childhood diseases such as rubella or chicken pox, thus giving them a natural immunity to these diseases. If the child has illness, health problems or has an impaired immune function, do not expose him or her to the disease until they are healthy.
Immunity to German measles can be determined by a blood test (rubella titer). Results will either be given as positive or negative immunity. This infection is usually diagnosed by testing for proteins in the blood called antibodies. Antibodies are made by the body to fight germs and other foreign substances. The virus can also be isolated from infected lung, throat, or nose secretions. In some cases, the healthcare provider may recognize the rash and not need to do any further tests. Any woman who wishes to become pregnant and who is not sure whether or not she has achieved immunity to German measles should be consider being tested and vaccinated, if necessary. Pregnancy must then be avoided for at least three months following immunization.
If a woman has stopped using birth control and is known not to be pregnant at the time of vaccination, she should resume use for the following three months after receiving her vaccination. A temporary, non-invasive, non-hormonal method, such as using barrier birth control types (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicidal foam/gel) can be used. It is recommended that she and her partner use more than one method (such as using condoms along with a diaphragm and spermicide) during this time period to prevent pregnancy.
MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Contraception Index
It is a good idea for any woman who is (or who may be) pregnant to take precautions to avoid exposure to anyone who has, or has recently been exposed to, German measles. A pregnant woman who suspects she may have been exposed to German measles and who knows she has not achieved immunity (either through vaccination or from having the disease) should consult her health care provider immediately concerning a gamma-globulin injection. If given soon after exposure, gamma- globulin may reduce the severity of the illness or even prevent it from developing.
During 2000, 87 percent of all reported cases of rubella occurred among people 15 to 39 years of age. As many as 8 million women of childbearing age are susceptible to rubella and up to 10 percent of young adults are susceptible to the rubella virus.
Who should get MMR vaccine?
Adults born in 1957 or later who do not have a medical contra-indication should receive at least one dose of MMR (or Rubella vaccine), unless they have documentation of vaccination with at least one dose of measles-, rubella-, and mumps-containing vaccine or other acceptable evidence of immunity to these three diseases.
College and university students, healthcare personnel, non-pregnant women of childbearing age, child care workers such as teachers and day care personnel, and international travelers are at increased risk for measles, and these persons should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to ensure adequate protection.
Vaccine Safety
The rubella vaccine and the combined MMR vaccine are considered safe. You cannot get rubella from either vaccine. The most common side effect is burning or stinging at the injection site. Other common side effects include fever, rash, headache and general weakness. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with rubella are much greater than the potential risks associated with the rubella vaccine.
Possible side effects of the MMR vaccine include:
- Fever and rash, which may occur 1 to 2 weeks after the exposure.
- Joint pain.
- Minor allergic reactions.
Other side effects are rare. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or to women who are planning on getting pregnant in the 3 months after the vaccination.
Links to Vaccine Safety Information
Adverse Effects of Pertussis and Rubella Vaccines (1991)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine) Safety
Immunization Safety Review: MMR Vaccine and Autism
MoonDragon's Vaccination Information
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
HERBS
If necessary, catnip tea or garlic enemas can be used to lower fever. See Enemas and Garlic Enemas for more information.
Clove and peppermint tea aid in relieving symptoms.
Alcohol-free goldenseal extract, placed directly under the tongue, aids in destroying bacteria and viruses and also relieves coughing. Use 3 drops for a child from three to ten years of age; for an adult or a child over ten, use one dropperful. Hold the extract under the tongue for a few minutes then swallow. Repeat this three times daily for three days. As an alternative, use an echinacea and goldenseal combination extract, available in health food stores. Echinacea is good for the immune response.
Take 1/2 teaspoon of lobelia extract every four to five hours for pain. Caution: Do not take lobelia internally on an ongoing basis.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juices, and vegetable broths.
Avoid processed foods.
Rest until the rash and fever have disappeared.
Avoid contact with healthy individuals, especially women of childbearing age and their children, until one week after the rash disappears.
Do not give aspirin to a child with German measles. See Reye's Syndrome for more information. Acetaminophen is usually recommended by health care providers in place of aspirin for children.
Nutrients Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Helpful AE Mulsion Forte
from BioticsAs directed on label. Supplies vitamins A and E, needed to reduce infection and repair tissues. For a child under 10, substitute cod liver oil. Bio-Strath from Bioforce As directed on label. Acts as a tonic. Contains the vitamin B complex. Use the liquid form. Calcium
And
MagnesiumAs directed on label.
As directed on label.Needed for tissue repair. Proteolytic enzymes As directed on label. Take with meals and between meals. Reduces infection and aids digestion. Caution: Do not give this supplement to a child under 16 years of age. Vitamin C with bioflavinoids 5,000 - 20,000 mg daily, in divided doses. See Ascorbic Acid Flush for more information. Very important for immune function. Controls fever and infection. Has antiviral properties. Use ascorbate or esterified form. Raw thymus glandular 500 mg twice daily. Stimulates the immune system. Caution: Do not give this supplement to a child. Zinc lozenges
(Ultimate Zinc-C Lozenges from Now Foods)1 15-mg lozenge 3 times daily for 4 days. Then reduce to 1 lozenge daily. Use this dosage for adults and for children over 5. For immune response and tissue repair.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Most people can monitor the infection at home, as it is usually mild. Pregnant women may be advised to have repeat ultrasounds. An ultrasound is a special x-ray test that uses sound waves. It allows the fetus to be seen inside the mother's womb. This may allow early detection of birth defects.
You have any symptoms of German measles (Rubella) and you are or may be pregnant.
You have any increase in or develop symptoms other than those listed here. If you decide to obtain a rubella vaccination, report any abnormal symptoms to your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments. Over-the-counter drugs, like all drugs, have possible side effects. Drugs used for fever and pain may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, and other side effects. Specific side effects depend on the drugs used.
Pregnant women who become infected early in the pregnancy may want to consider having an abortion due to the high risks of severe damage to the fetus.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch