Is rubella a virus or bacterial infection?

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella usually have a mild illness, with symptoms that can include a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Can rubella cause pneumonia?

Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die.

Is measles a viral pneumonia?

Pneumonia may be caused by the measles virus alone, secondary viral infection with adenovirus or HSV, or secondary bacterial infection. Measles is one cause of Hecht’s giant cell pneumonia, which usually occurs in immunocompromised persons but can occur in otherwise normal adults and children.

What is rubella also known as?

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It is also called German measles, but it is caused by a different virus than measles.

When was the last case of rubella in the US?

Rubella in the U.S. Rubella was eliminated from the United States in 2004.

What is the epidemiology of rubella?

EPIDEMIOLOGY. Rubella occurs worldwide. Epidemics occur every 6 to 9 years and pandemics every 10 to 30 years. The last worldwide pandemic occurred from 1962 to 1964.

What is the difference between measles and rubella?

Although rubella or measles may have some similar characteristics, they are not the same. Rubella is caused by the Rubella virus that invades the lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. Measles is caused by Morbillivirus that infects the respiratory system. Usually mild, but can get severe in pregnant women.

How is rubella contracted?

Rubella is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. Rubella can also be transmitted by breathing in droplets that are sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks.

What are the complications of rubella?

Complications include deafness, cataracts, heart defects, brain disorders, mental retardation, bone alterations, liver and spleen damage. Furthermore, an infant infected with rubella during pregnancy can continue to shed the virus for about a year, sometimes longer.

What part of the body does rubella affect?

Rubella is an infection that mostly affects the skin and lymph nodes. In kids, rubella — commonly called German measles or 3-day measles — is usually a mild illness. But the infection is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause serious health problems in their babies.