Rubella

Question 1

What is rubella also known as?

Answer 1

German measles

Question 2

What type of virus causes rubella?

Answer 2

togavirus

Question 3

What has made rubella very rare?

Answer 3

introduction of the MMR vaccine

Question 4

What is a significant risk if rubella is contracted during pregnancy?

Answer 4

congenital rubella syndrome

Question 5

During which seasons are rubella outbreaks more common?

Answer 5

winter and spring

Question 6

What is the incubation period for rubella?

Answer 6

14-21 days

Question 7

When is a person with rubella infectious?

Answer 7

from 7 days prior to symptoms until 4 days after onset of rash

Question 8

What are some clinical features of rubella?

Answer 8

• prodrome e.g. low-grade fever
• rash - maculopapular, starting on face then spreading, fades by day 3-5
• lymphadenopathy - suboccipital and postauricular

Question 9

What are some complications of rubella?

Answer 9

• arthritis
• thrombocytopenia
• encephalitis
• myocarditis

Question 10

What is the risk of damage to the fetus if rubella is contracted in the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy?

Answer 10

90%

Question 11

Is damage from rubella common after 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Answer 11

No, it is rare

Question 12

What are some features of congenital rubella syndrome?

Answer 12

• sensorineural deafness
• congenital cataracts
• congenital heart disease
• growth retardation
• hepatosplenomegaly
• purpuric skin lesions
• ‘salt and pepper’ chorioretinitis
• microphthalmia
• cerebral palsy

Question 13

What should be done with suspected cases of rubella?

Answer 13

discuss with local Health Protection Unit

Question 14

What type of antibodies will be raised in women recently exposed to the rubella virus?

Answer 14

IgM antibodies

Question 15

What vaccination is offered to non-immune mothers in the post-natal period?

Answer 15

MMR vaccination

Question 16

Should MMR be given to women known to be pregnant or attempting to become pregnant?

Answer 16

No