GERMAN MEASLES

German measles = Disease

Rubella virus = virus

Single stranded (ssRNA) virus

Transmitted via respiratory droplets, mom to fetus

• 20% chance of complication if mom gets early in pregnancy
• Complications include 1 in 6 deaf, cataracts, heart defects, mental impairment, liver/spleen damage

Incubation period 14-21 days

Contagious 1 week before signs and symptoms and one week after rash

Signs and Symptoms:

None for many or very mild.  Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash that is pink or light red spots on face that spreads. Usually only last 3 days.

Testing looks for antibodies in the blood

MMR Vaccine (2 shot series 97% effective after one dose 100% effective after two doses)