German measles is a mild infection that is also called
Rubella (ru-BELL-uh) or three-day measles. The infection is no
longer common because nowadays most children get a rubella shot
(immunization) to prevent the disease.
Causes
Rubella is caused by a virus. It
is spread in the air by the coughing and sneezing of an
infected person.
Signs/Symptoms
The hallmark of this infection is
a skin rash of tiny, flat or slightly raised, pink-red spots
all over the body. Other symptoms are fever, headache, sore
eyes, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and swollen glands. The
child also may have muscle aches and not want to eat.
Rubella can be spread to others from 7 days before the rash
starts until 5 days after it first appears. The rash is gone in
3 to 4 days.
Care
There is no cure for rubella, but acetaminophen will help
relieve fever and aches. Keep your child at home and
away from pregnant women.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Do NOT give aspirin if a child with rubella is under
18 years of age. This could lead to brain and liver damage
(Reye's syndrome). Be sure to check for aspirin on the
label on any over-the-counter medicines you
buy.
Put calamine lotion on the skin to help
itching.
Give acetaminophen for fever.
Keep your child away from other people, ESPECIALLY
PREGNANT WOMEN, until the fever has been gone for 12 hours.
Rubella can cause birth defects in unborn babies. If your
child has been in contact with a pregnant woman, be sure to
warn her so that she can tell her
doctor.
Have the child rest as much as possible until the
fever is gone. This usually takes about 4 days. He or she
does not need to stay in bed.
The child may return to school or daycare when the
fever has been gone for 12 hours.
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