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Rubella is spreading. For some people, the infection poses risks. Learn the symptoms and how to protect yourself.
Frankfurt – Rubella is a common but often underestimated disease Illness. Rubella is currently on the rise again and poses a risk, especially for pregnant women. This widespread viral infection primarily affects children. The infection is usually harmless, but in certain cases it can cause serious complications. By knowing the symptoms and taking precautions, the risks can be minimized and the spread of the infection contained.
Rubella: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) pathogen
Parvovirus B19 belongs to a family of viruses that cause infections. While most parvoviruses affect animals such as cats and dogs, they cannot infect humans. However, dogs and cats can be vaccinated against parvoviruses that affect them.
Parvovirus B19 only affects humans and causes a variety of symptoms depending on age and health status. A common manifestation is Fifth’s disease (erythema infectiosum), which is recognized by a rash on the cheek and primarily affects young children. In the United States, infections with parvovirus B19 occur more frequently in late winter to early summer, with smaller outbreaks every 3rd month occur up to 4 years.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/parvovirusb19)
Rubella: transmission, symptoms and risks
The transmission is loud infectionprotection.de, a portal of the Federal Center for Health Education, mainly through droplet infection or direct contact with infected people. Although there is no vaccination against rubella, simple hygiene measures such as regular hand washing can help prevent infection. For most people, rubella heals on its own and does not require any special treatment. However, pregnant women should be particularly careful as an infection can harm the unborn child.
The typical symptoms of rubella are a red rash on the face, accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms, similar to a corona infection. Later, the rash can spread to the entire body. Adults may also experience joint pain.
No vaccine for rubella: treatment and prevention
The Health of pregnant women and their unborn children is the top priority. With knowledge of the symptoms and risks of rubella, expectant mothers can take appropriate protective measures and seek medical attention in a timely manner in the event of an infection. Unlike rubella, there is no vaccine against rubella. Among the simplest methods are according to the Federal Ministry of Health website healthy.bund.de:
- avoid close contact with sick people
- do not share food or drinks
- Do not share personal utensils or dishes
- wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
- Do not touch mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth or nose
For most people, rubella heals on its own and does not require any special treatment. However, pregnant women should be particularly careful as an infection can harm the unborn child. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. It is therefore important to recognize the symptoms early and seek medical help.
It is advisable to get regular information about your current health status and carry out preventive examinations if necessary. In 2020, Germany received rubella elimination status from the WHO. However, cases were repeatedly reported in the first three months of 2024. In March, the number of cases of rubella was 240. It is important that the public is also informed about this issue in order to ensure comprehensive education and prevention. (ls)
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