Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Rubella (German Measles)
DESCRIPTION (Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician.)
- A rash of widespread pink-red spots starts on the face
and moves rapidly downward, covering the body in
24 hours.
- The rash lasts 3 to 4 days ("3-day measles").
- The lymph nodes at the back of the neck are enlarged.
- Your child has a mild fever.
- Your child never had the rubella vaccine.
The rash is not distinctive. Many other viral rashes look
like it. Physicians have difficulty being certain of this
diagnosis even after examining the child. This diagnosis
usually can't be made unless there is an epidemic of it in
your community.
CAUSE
Rubella is caused by a virus. The incubation period (time
between exposure to someone with the disease and the
beginning of symptoms) is 14 to 21 days.
EXPECTED COURSE
The disease is mild. Your child should be completely
recovered in 3 or 4 days. Complications in general are very
rare. However, pregnant women should avoid anyone who may
have rubella. Complications to the unborn child of a
pregnant woman with rubella are disastrous and include
deafness, cataracts, heart defects, growth retardation, and
encephalitis.
HOME CARE
If your physician has determined that your child probably
has rubella, the following may be helpful:
- Treatment
No treatment is usually necessary. Give acetaminophen
or ibuprofen for fever over 102 degrees F
(38.9 degrees C), sore throat, or other pains.
- Avoid pregnant women
If your child might have rubella, keep him away from any
pregnant women. He is contagious for 5 days after the
start of the rash.
- Exposure of adult women to rubella
A nonpregnant woman exposed to rubella should avoid
getting pregnant during the next 3 months.
A pregnant woman exposed to rubella should see her
obstetrician. If she has already received the rubella
vaccine, she and her unborn child are probably
protected. Even if she thinks she had German measles as
a child and the recent exposure was minor or brief, she
should have a blood test to determine her immunity
against rubella.
- Rubella vaccine
Get your children immunized against rubella at 12 to
15 months of age so we won't have to worry about
pregnant women getting exposed to rubella when a child
gets a pink or red rash. It's safe to immunize a child
who has a pregnant mother.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The rash becomes purple spots or dots.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- The rash becomes itchy.
- The fever lasts more than 3 days.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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