Rubella

Rubella is a childhood disease caused by infection with the rubella virus. In the vast majority, it goes away on its own without any after-effects. The disease causes, among other things, a rash with pink and reddish-brown spots on the face and body. Vaccine against rubella (MMR vaccine) is part of the childhood vaccination program.

What is rubella?

Rubella is a viral disease caused by the rubella virus. It is usually harmless and goes away on its own without any special after-effects. The disease starts with a runny nose and eyes, as well as swollen and tender lymph nodes, especially on the throat and neck. Then a fever occurs, as well as a pink and reddish-brown rash on the face and on the rest of the body. Some people may experience joint pain due to arthritis.

Rubella is referred to as a childhood disease, but anyone can get the disease. In pregnant women, infection with rubella and the rubella virus can cause abortion and serious complications for the foetus. The rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) is part of the childhood vaccination program, and rubella is today a very rare disease.

Causes of rubella

Rubella is caused by infection with the rubella virus. The virus is transmitted via close droplet transmission, and infected persons are contagious from 1 week before the onset of the disease, as well as for 4-7 days after the onset of the rash.

Symptoms of rubella

• Runny nose and eyes

• Sore, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and neck

• Fever

• A rash with pink and reddish-brown spots on the face that spreads quickly to the rest of the body

• The rash often merges into larger areas

Almost half of those infected experience few or no symptoms.

The course of the disease in rubella

From being infected until the onset of illness, it usually takes somewhere between 16-18 days. The disease often starts with a runny nose and eyes, as well as swollen and tender lymph nodes on the neck and neck. A moderate fever then occurs in addition to a pink and reddish-brown rash on the face. The rash quickly spreads to the rest of the body. Within 4-5 days, both the fever and the rash subside. Rubella rarely causes after-effects, but both encephalitis and arthritis can occur in some people after the disease.

Vaccine against rubella

Vaccination provides the best protection against rubella. The rubella vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) and is part of the childhood vaccination program. The vaccine provides protection for life after two doses (administered at 15 months and 12-13 years).

Anyone who has not been vaccinated, and who has not been infected by rubella and the rubella virus before, is recommended to be vaccinated.

Pregnant and rubella

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to rubella virus infection. Rubella in pregnancy can cause serious damage to the fetus and an increased risk of miscarriage. The danger is greatest in the first three months of pregnancy. Pregnant women should therefore avoid contact with infected people.

Treatment of rubella

There is no specific treatment for rubella, but the viral disease usually goes away on its own. The symptoms, such as a runny nose and fever, can possibly be treated with medicines against colds and fever/pain.

If a child has been infected, he can return to nursery school or school no earlier than five days after the appearance of the rash, provided that the general condition is good.