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What is unique about rubella?
Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It's also called German measles or three-day measles. This infection may cause mild or no symptoms in most people. However, it can cause serious problems for unborn babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy.
Is rubella a icosahedral?
Rubella virus, scientific name Rubivirus rubellae, is a member of the genus Rubivirus and belongs to the family of Matonaviridae, whose members commonly have a genome of single-stranded RNA of positive polarity which is enclosed by an icosahedral capsid.
Is rubella a Macule?
Rubella (German Measles) The rash begins as discrete macules (red spots) on the face that spread to the neck, trunk, and extremities. The macules may coalesce on the trunk. Appearance of the rash corresponds with the appearance of rubella-specific antibody.
Why is rubella called rubella?
The name rubella is derived from Latin, meaning “little red.” Rubella was initially considered to be a variant of measles or scarlet fever. It was not until 1814 that it was first described as a separate disease in the German medical literature, hence the common name “German measles.” In 1914, Alfred F.
Is rubella virus helical or icosahedral?
Thus, rubella virus is the only known example of a helical surface structure associated with a membrane enveloped virus.
Which type of virus is rubella?
The Virus. Rubella virus is an enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus classified as a Rubivirus in the Matonaviridae family.
What do measles look like?
It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
Why is rubella called three-day measles?
Rubella has symptoms similar to those of flu. However, the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is the appearance of a rash (exanthem) on the face which spreads to the trunk and limbs and usually fades after three days, which is why it is often referred to as three-day measles.
Where is rubella most common?
Yemen is the top country by rubella cases in the world. As of 2021, rubella cases in Yemen was 2,371 that accounts for 21.96% of the world's rubella cases. The top 5 countries (others are India, China, Cameroon, and South Africa) account for 59.96% of it. The world's total rubella cases was estimated at 10,798 in 2021.
Can boys get rubella?
It rarely happens in men and children. In rare cases, rubella can cause more serious health problems, like brain infections or swelling and bleeding problems.
Is there a vaccine for rubella?
Rubella can be prevented with MMR vaccine. This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
Can rubella affect pregnancy?
Pregnant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their developing babies are at risk for severe birth defects with devastating, lifelong consequences. CRS can affect almost everything in the developing baby's body. The most common birth defects from CRS can include: Deafness.
How can you tell the difference between measles and rubella?
Both Measles and Rubella are caused by an RNA virus. They are generally spread through respiratory droplets of infected people....Measles vs Rubella.MeaslesRubellaTypically a high fever of >40°CTypically low fever of < 38.3°CRashes in measles are blotchy with red spotsRashes in Rubella are spots that fade fast5 more rows•Mar 3, 2021
What are three symptoms of rubella?
Signs and Symptomsa low-grade fever.headache.mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye)general discomfort.swollen and enlarged lymph nodes.cough.runny nose.
What does rubella rash look like?
The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella. The rash looks red or pink on white skin. It can be harder to see on brown or black skin, but might feel rough or bumpy. You might also have lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears.
How does rubella spread in the body?
Rubella spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Also, if a woman is infected with rubella while she is pregnant, she can pass it to her developing baby and cause serious harm. See Pregnancy and Rubella page to learn more.
How many nucleotides are in the Rubella genome?
The Rubella Virus genome is composed of 9757 nucleotides and has similar genomic structure to other Togaviruses. The Rubella Virus has the highest concentration of G/C nucleotides of any RNA virus with 69.5% of the genome consisting of those nucleotides. [4] .
How long does it take for rubella to enter the cell?
Replication is slow with a latency period of 8-12 hours, with structural proteins appearing at 12-16 hours and peak viral 36-48 hours after infection.
What is the origin of the name "rubella"?
Rubella. The name rubella is derived from Latin, meaning “little red.”. Rubella was initially considered to be a variant of measles or scarlet fever. It was not until 1814 that it was first described as a separate disease in the German medical literature, hence the common name “German measles.”.
How long does it take for a rubella rash to appear?
Lymphadenopathy may begin a week before the rash and last several weeks. The rubella rash is maculopapular and occurs 14 to 17 days after exposure.
What is the name of the disease that was first described as a separate disease in the German medical literature?
Rubella was initially considered to be a variant of measles or scarlet fever. It was not until 1814 that it was first described as a separate disease in the German medical literature, hence the common name “German measles.”. In 1914, Alfred F. Hess postulated a viral etiology based on his work with monkeys.
When did rubella become a notifiable disease?
Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome became nationally notifiable diseases in 1966. For information on guidance for state and local health department staff who are involved in surveillance activities for vaccine-preventable diseases, please consult the Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chapters.html.
How long does a joint rash last?
Joint symptoms tend to occur at about the same time or shortly after the rash appears and may last for up to 1 month.
Is it possible to be immune to rubella?
Rubella Immunity. Generally, persons can be considered immune to rubella if they were born before 1957, have serologic evidence of rubella immunity (equivocal test results should be considered negative), or laboratory confirmation of disease, or have documentation of adequate vaccination for rubella.
Can rubella be found on the soft palate?
Other symptoms of rubella include conjunctivitis, testalgia, or orchitis. Small, red (Forschheimer) spots may be noted on the soft palate but are not diagnostic for rub ella.
What is the name of the red rash on the arms and legs?
Rubella . Rubella results in a fine, pink rash that appears on the face, the trunk (shown in image), and then the arms and legs. Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It's also called German measles or three-day measles.
What is the red rash on my arms?
Open pop-up dialog box. Close. Rubella . Rubella . Rubella results in a fine, pink rash that appears on the face, the trunk (shown in image), and then the arms and legs. Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It's also called German measles or three-day measles.
Can you get rubella if you are pregnant?
If you're pregnant, you'll likely undergo a routine screening for immunity to rubella. But if you've never received the vaccine and you think you might have been exposed to rubella, contact your doctor immediately. A blood test might confirm that you're already immune.
How long does it take for a rubella rash to appear?
The rash generally first appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body, and lasts about three days. Other symptoms that may occur 1 to 5 days before the rash appears include: mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye) Most adults who get rubella usually have a mild illness, with low-grade fever, sore throat, ...
How many people infected with rubella will not have symptoms?
About 25 to 50% of people infected with rubella will not experience any symptoms. Page last reviewed: December 31, 2020. Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases.
What is the most common symptom of rubella?
The earliest and perhaps the most prominent and characteristic symptom of rubella infection is lymphadenopathy of the postauricular, occipital, and posterior cervical lymph nodes; this is usually most severe during the rash but may occur even in the absence of rash.
What are the two proteins in the rubella virus?
Rubella virus contains three major structural polypeptides: two membrane glycoproteins, E1 and E2 and a single nonglycosylated RNA-associated capsid protein, C, within the virion. One of the envelope proteins, E1, is responsible for viral hemagglutination and neutralization. E2 has been found in two forms, E2a and E2b due to differences in glycosylation. The differences among strains of rubella viruses have been correlated with differences in the antigenicity of E2.
How long does it take for antibodies to show up after a rubella rash?
Neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies appear shortly after the onset of rash and reach maximum levels in 1 to 4 weeks. Specific antibodies persist after infection. Cell-mediated immunity also develops in convalescence and can be detected for years following infection. When exposed to rubella virus, individuals with neutralizing or hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies are most often protected. However, reinfection with rubella virus has been documented in individuals with demonstrated natural immunity and, more commonly, in vaccinees. The vast majority of such reinfections are asymptomatic, detectable only by a boost in antibody titer; however, a few cases of reinfection-associated rash and arthritis have been reported.
What chapter is the multiplication of togavirus?
The multiplication of togaviruses is described in Chapter 54.
Is rubella a rash?
Rubella is suggested by typical rash and lymphadenopathy. This diagnosis is confirmed by virus isolation and serologic studies.
What is rubella?
Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is a viral infection. It usually causes a mild illness in children. Adults have a slightly more severe illness. The disease is spread person-to-person through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. It takes 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms to develop after exposure. Although the illness is mostly mild, the virus can cause serious birth defects in pregnant women. The vaccine is effective in preventing rubella.
How is rubella diagnosed?
Along with a complete medical history and medical exam, diagnosis is often confirmed with a throat culture and blood testing.
Who is at risk for rubella?
If you have not had the vaccine or never had rubella, you are at risk for the disease.
What are the complications of rubella?
For most people, rubella is a mild disease and does not cause complications . If a woman is infected with the disease while pregnant, her unborn baby can develop defects. Possible birth defects caused by rubella include:
How long does a rash last?
Rash (usually begins at the face and progresses to the trunk, arms and legs, and lasts about 3 days ) Slight fever. Enlarged lymph nodes. Headache. Rubella in pregnant women may cause serious complications in the fetus. This includes a range of severe birth defects.
Can rubella be prevented?
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is a childhood vaccine that protects against these 3 viruses. MMR makes most people immune to rubella (in addition to measles and mumps). People who have had rubella are immune for life.
What is the Rubella IgG Test?
Rubella IgG Test is used to monitor or measure the amount of the Rubella IgG antibodies in the blood of a person who had been infected or who is suspected of Rubella. It determines if the person’s blood has enough Rubella IgG antibody to provide protection from the Rubella Virus. The Rubella IgG levels in the blood also help in determining if the infection was recent or in the past.
How many cases of rubella are there in India?
Nearly 40,000 cases of Rubella are reported every year in India. According to recent reports, the number has decreased to 25,000 in comparison to last year, 2018 which had nearly 70,000 cases of Rubella Viral Infection. References. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/pregnancy.html.
What is the price of the Rubella IgG Test in India?
The price of the Rubella IgG test in India ranges from Rs 650 – 5000. It can vary with various locations around the country.
Is it safe for my newborn to undergo Rubella IgG test?
The procedure adopted for the Rubella IgG test is completely safe for your newborn. It has no risks involved except for the minute risks related to the venipuncture.
How long does it take to get a rubella test?
You will get your Rubella IgG Test results within 24 to 36 hours of the test itself.
What is the name of the virus that causes red rashes?
What is Rubella? Rubella, which is also known as the German Measles or the 3-day measles is a viral infection caused by the Rubella Virus. It is congenital and infectious but not as serious as red measles (common measles). It is characterized by red rashes all over the body.
Can you get a rubella igg test while pregnant?
If you are not pregnant, but you are showing symptoms of Rubella Viral infection, then it is highly recommended to go for a Rubella IgG Test. the most common symptoms of Rubella Viral infection are as follows: – Red or pink rash that starts on the face ...

Description and Significance
- The only member of the Rubivirus genus, Rubella Virus is only known to infect humans and is responsible for the common childhood disease known as German Measles or Three Day Measles. The disease presents primarily as a skin rash with other mild symptoms in adults who contract the disease. Rubella can also cause arthritic symptoms, most commonly in women Rubella Viru…
Genome Structure
- The Rubella Virus genome is composed of 9757 nucleotides and has similar genomic structure to other Togaviruses. The Rubella Virus has the highest concentration of G/C nucleotides of any RNA virus with 69.5% of the genome consisting of those nucleotides. Rubella has been sequenced completely for three strains shwoing >95% homology between the three strains.
Cell Structure & Life Cycle
- Rubella Virus is an enveloped virus, circular or oval in shape and 60nm in diameter. The virion is composed of a capsid core containing a single copy of genomic RNA. The outer membrane is a lipid bilayer containing specialized glycoproteins (E1 and E2) believed to be responsible for attachment to host cells. It is also believed that a pH of 6.0 or ...
Pathogenesis
- If it is a pathogen, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Describe virulence factors and patient symptoms.Rubella virus only infects humans and is spread from person to person through contact or from a cough or sneeze as the rubella virus lives in the mucus of an infected person. The virus can be transmitted up to a week before the rash appear…
Rubella Vaccination
- Included as a part of the common childhood vaccination known as MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination. The Meruvax II or Rubella vaccination effectively prevents the disease after a single injection in humans 12 moths or older. While antibodies are usually developed after a single infection of the virus the vaccine is vital to prevent infection of expecting mothers who co…
References
- A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia, "Rubella". PubMed Health, 2011 A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia "Congenital Rubella". New York Times: Health Guide, 2011 CDC, "Rubella homepage" CDC.gov 2009 Dominguez G., Wang C., Frey T. "Sequence of the genome RNA of rubella virus: Evidence for genetic rearrangement during togavirus evolution" Virology Vol 177, Issue 1, July 1990, p. 225 Le…
Rubella Virus
Pathogenesis
- Following respiratory transmission, the virus replicates in the nasopharynx and regional lymph nodes. In a pregnant woman, placental infection occurs during viremia and may lead to transplacental fetal infection. Fetal damage occurs through destruction of cells, as well as disruption of cell division. Fetal infection often results in a persistent infection typically leading t…
Clinical Features
- Acquired Rubella
The average incubation period of rubella is 14 days, with a range of 12 to 23 days. Symptoms are often mild, and up to 50% of infections may be subclinical or inapparent. In young children, rash is usually the first symptom. In older children and adults, there may be a 1- to 5-day prodrome with … - Complications
Complications of rubella are rare. Hemorrhagic manifestations occur in approximately 1 per 3,000 cases. These manifestations may be secondary to low platelets and vascular damage, with thrombocytopenic purpura being the most common. Gastrointestinal, cerebral, or intrarenal hem…
Epidemiology
- Occurrence
Rubella used to be a worldwide infection. Endemic rubella and CRS were eliminated in the United States in 2004, and in the region of the Americas in 2009. - Reservoir
Rubella is a human disease. There is no known animal reservoir and no evidence of insect transmission. Infants with CRS may shed rubella virus for an extended period.
Secular Trends in The United States
- Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome became nationally notifiable diseases in 1966. Following vaccine introduction in 1969, rubella incidence declined dramatically. Rubella outbreaks continued to occur among adolescents and young adults and in settings where unvaccinated adults gathered. National recommendations to vaccinate susceptible postpubertal females, adolescent…
Rubella Vaccine
- In 1971, a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine was licensed for use in the United States, and the current rubella vaccine component (RA27/3) was licensed in 1979. In 2005, a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine was licensed. Rubella vaccine is available as measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR [MMR-II]) and measles, mum…
Vaccination Schedule and Use
- MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine can be used to implement the vaccination recommendations for prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccine is licensed for use in persons age 12 months or older. MMRV vaccine is licensed for use in persons age 12 months through 12 years; MMRV vaccine should not be administered to persons age 13 years or older. Two doses of MM…
Contraindications and Precautions to Vaccination
- As with other vaccines, a history of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a vaccine component or following a prior dose is a contraindication to further doses. Moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever) in a patient is considered a precaution to vaccination, although persons with minor illness may be vaccinated. MMR and MMRV vaccines both contain …
Vaccine Safety
- Studies have shown MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe and well-tolerated. The National Academy of Medicine, formerly called the Institute of Medicine, reviewed the evidence between MMR vaccination and certain adverse events. The experts determined that evidence supports a causal relation between MMR vaccination and anaphylaxis, febrile seizures, thrombocytopenic purpura, …
Vaccine Storage and Handling
- For MMR-II and Proquad storage and handling specifics, refer to the manufacturer. For complete information on storage and handling best practices and recommendations, please refer to CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit [3 MB, 65 pages].