German Measles ( Rubella )
German measles (rubella) is a common childhood illness caused by a
virus. It is
characterized by general malaise, a rash, and swollen lymph glands. Typically the
lymph glands become swollen first. Then a rash begins on the face and neck, and
spreads to the trunk and extremities. The rash lasts for about three to five days, with
the first lesions to appear being the first to heal. It is a pink or red raised rash that
looks like small pimples. A child with German measles may also have achy and
swollen joints. Her throat may appear red or pinkish, but usually will not feel sore.
German measles is spread by respiratory contact. The virus incubates for fourteen
to twenty-one days before signs of illness appear. The illness itself usually lasts for
about five days. A child with German measles is contagious from approximately
seven days before to five days after the rash appears, so if your child comes down
with German measles, you should contact anyone who has been exposed to her over
the previous week. This is important because, while German measles causes a
relatively mild illness in children, it poses a very serious problem for pregnant women.
Every effort should be made to avoid exposing a woman who is pregnant, or who is
likely to become pregnant in the very near future, to this disease. If this occurs, the
virus can affect the developing fetus and cause severe deformities.
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