Rubella, or German measles, is a common childhood virus that is transmitted through the air or close contact. The symptoms of Rubella can be so mild that the virus may go undetected. When symptoms do occur, they will show up two to three weeks after being exposed and include a mild fever, swollen glands, spots in the mouth, headache, and a rash. The rash begins on the face and neck, and will then spread to the trunk and limbs.
Rubella is especially dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn child, but is mild when contracted in childhood.
 
Treatment is focused on making the child comfortable; bed rest, plenty of fluids, and children’s pain reliever to reduce the fever and headache. Since the condition is viral, antibiotics will not cure Rubella and there are no antiviral drugs available. Rubella must simply run its course.
 
Rubella has mostly been eliminated in developed countries due vaccinations. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine should be administered beginning at 12 months of age.

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