German Measles(Rubella) Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
German measles, also known as rubella, is a disease caused by infection with the rubella virus.
Understanding
German measles, also known as rubella, is a disease caused by infection with the rubella virus. This disease is characterized by low-grade fever and a red rash on the skin.
This disease usually affects children. Children infected with German measles generally only show mild symptoms. However, this disease is dangerous if it attacks pregnant women because it can cause defects in the unborn fetus. It can even cause a miscarriage.
Children with German measles generally show milder symptoms than adults. However, this does not mean that this disease should be taken lightly because even though it is mild, it can still spread
Reason
German measles is caused by infection with the rubella virus. This virus is transmitted through splashes of saliva or fluids from the sufferer’s nose. A person can get this disease if they come into contact with someone with German measles who sneezes or coughs.
A person can transmit the rubella virus to others a week before the rash, which is a sign of German measles, appears, up to 1 week after the rash has healed. Whereas in pregnant women, transmission of the virus to the fetus in the womb occurs through the bloodstream.
Symptoms
The initial symptom of German measles is a low-grade fever (body temperature ranging from 37–37.8 o C) for 1–2 days. This condition is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes on the back of the head (occipital) or behind the ears.
After that, a reddish rash appears on the skin starting from the face area, then slowly spreading to the chest, back, to the hands and feet. The rash will generally disappear within three days. Other complaints that can arise are headaches, joint aches, coughs, runny nose, or loss of appetite.
However, if a person with German measles has good immune system, he will not experience any symptoms. Even if you don’t show symptoms, this disease can still be transmitted to other people who don’t have the body’s resistance to German measles infection.
If German measles strikes a pregnant woman, the fetus may show congenital rubella syndrome at birth. The syndrome can be congenital heart disease, deafness, cataracts, mental retardation, visual disturbances, liver disorders, or blood disorders.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of German measles is not difficult. By knowing the complaints experienced by sufferers, seeing the skin rashes they are experiencing and feeling for enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears or on the back of the head, generally doctors can determine the presence of German measles.
To be sure, you can check for antibodies to the virus that causes German measles (IgM antirubella) through a blood test.
Treatment
German measles will heal by itself in 3-5 days. To speed healing, sufferers of German measles are advised to get plenty of rest. To reduce the discomfort caused by fever or joint pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be consumed.
To prevent German measles from spreading to other people, especially pregnant women, people with German measles are advised not to leave the house until they are completely cured.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent German measles is with rubella immunization. This immunization is given at least twice, namely when the child is 15 months and 5 years old.
In Indonesia, this immunization is given in the form of MMR immunization (mumps, measles, rubella) or MR immunization (measles, rubella). This immunization will provide immunity against German measles infection.
MR or MMR immunization can also be given to adults who do not yet have immunity against German measles infection, as long as they are not pregnant. Immunity to German measles is very important, especially for women of childbearing age, to protect them from contracting the disease during pregnancy. If a woman does not yet have immunity against German measles, she should be immunized no later than 1 month before planning a pregnancy.