German Measles

German measles is a mild viral illness caused by the rubella virus. The incubation period of German measles, the time from initial exposure until the rash comes out is normally 14 to 21 days. Symptoms include a temperature and mild fever. Although sometimes the rash will be the first sign of any illness. The rash is pink in colour and spreads from the top of the face down the body. The rash normally lasts approximately 4-5 days. In addition the child's glands are normally up. Adults suffer pain in their joints similar to arthritis. 


What to Do

There is very little treatment that can be given except to provide some relief for the fever.

The main focus of Rubella inoculation is the terrible effect German measles can have on pregnant women. All energies are devoted to eradicating this disease in order to stop the effects it has upon the unborn foetuses of pregnant women.


Prevention

Until a few years ago, all girls were inoculated against German measles in their teens. However, now this has been replaced by the much publicised MMR vaccine and the vaccine is supposed to give lifelong immunity against the disease. If enough people around the world have the vaccine, the disease could one day be eradicated forever.