Rubella
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - B06
What is rubella?
Rubella is an extremely contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus from the Rubivirus genus. Transmission occurs through secretions expelled by the infected person when coughing, breathing, sneezing, or even talking.
Symptoms
Rubella causes a red rash that spreads across the skin and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. It may also cause fever and headache. The main complications occur with congenital rubella, when the mother passes the virus to the baby, and it may affect vision and hearing.
Causes
Rubella is caused by a virus from the Rubivirus genus. It is transmitted through respiratory secretions.
Diagnosis
Cases of rubella can be identified by symptoms and through laboratory tests available throughout Brazil’s public health network.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to prevent rubella.
Treatment
Rubella has been eliminated in Brazil, but treatment usually involves medications to relieve symptoms. The vaccine is essential to prevent its resurgence.
Duration
In most cases, when treated, rubella lasts about one week.
Is it contagious?
Rubella is a highly contagious disease. Transmission occurs from person to person through secretions expelled by the infected individual when coughing, breathing, sneezing, or simply talking.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Rubella can only be contracted once in a lifetime.