Definition
The classical childhood disease “rubella” is caused by the rubella virus and leads to a typical skin rash, which is also called rubella exanthema. Only about 50 % of those infected show symptoms. The rubella exanthema appears a few days after symptoms such as rhinitis, headache and aching limbs as well as a slight increase in temperature up to 38°C.
The rash is called maculopapular, which means that small flat spots, macula, as well as raised skin appearances, papules, can be found. It is fine to medium spotted and red. The rash starts on the head behind the ears and then spreads to the trunk and limbs, it seems to be most dense in the region of the head and neck and nape of the neck.
The rash with the rubella usually recedes after about 3 days and heals without consequences for the skin. To protect children from the disease, parents can also have them vaccinated against it. However, rubella is not the only cause of rashes; other diseases can also be considered. An important one is for example measles.
Causes
The cause of rubella is the rubella virus. This virus is transmitted exclusively from person to person. It can also be transmitted from mother to unborn child during pregnancy.
Otherwise, transmission occurs via droplet infection, which means that the virus is transmitted via small secretion droplets from the human respiratory tract, for example when sneezing, speaking or coughing. People affected are contagious up to 7 days before and 7 days after the rash of rubella appears! The rash itself develops as a reaction of the immune system to components of the virus. A rash in children can of course have many other causes.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of rubella is usually made as a clinical diagnosis. This means that the diagnosis can be made on the basis of a physical examination and by asking about the symptoms. In contrast to this, other childhood diseases such as rubella, measles or three-day fever must be considered.
These, however, express themselves through other symptoms and a different appearance of the rash. In the blood count, rubella shows a reduction in white blood cells. If the clinical diagnosis is not entirely clear, the pathogen can be detected.
