NEWS – The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared that Nepal has eliminated rubella, marking a significant milestone in public health in South Asia.

ABOUT RUBELLA

• Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is a highly contagious viral infection identified by a distinctive red rash.
• It is caused by the Rubella virus, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, distinct from the measles virus.
• Although rubella resembles measles in symptoms, it is less severe and less infectious.

Transmission

• Spread through coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces.
• Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their fetuses.
• Infected individuals may be contagious even without visible symptoms.

Symptoms

• Most cases are mild or asymptomatic.
• The key symptom is a spotty rash starting on the face/behind the ears, spreading to the neck and body.
• Rash usually appears 2–3 weeks after infection.

Risks in Pregnancy

• Infection during early pregnancy carries a 90% risk of fetal transmission.
• May result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
• CRS can lead to hearing loss, heart defects, eye damage, autism, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.

Prevention & Treatment

• Prevention: The MMR vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) is safe and highly effective, providing lifelong immunity.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral drug exists; only symptomatic care like rest and fever control is available.