Rubella
German measles is contagious disease causing few if any problems to the patient. It's also known as three-day measles, and is more often seen in adolescence and the young adult years. The greatest danger may occur in the case of unborn children if the mother develops the disease during the first four months of pregnancy. For the reasons, all young girls should be exposed to German measles early in life. They have had the disease, they cannot have it again, and so the hazard associated with having this disease during pregnancy later on will be eliminated.
German measles has nothing to do with regular measles. It's caused by an entirely different virus. It is less contagious; many children do not contract the disease until they are young adults. The patient, usually a young adult or teen-ager, may complain of a small headache, stiffness in the joints, and a feeling of weakness. There may be a slight swelling behind the ears due to enlarged lymph glands. This may be discovered more or less accidentally while combing the hair may be the only indication of German measles. If a rash occurs, it is mild, lighter in colour than regular measles. There may be a small flush resembling scarlet fever. The rash itself usually disappears within three or four days.
Treatment: If the patient feels sick he should remain in bed for several days still he feels better. If complications such as ear-ache, it is well to call the family doctor. Pregnant woman should be protected by the use of gamma globulin, particularly during the early months of pregnancy. German measles does not hurt the mother, but it can be serious to an unborn child. It may cause deformities of the heart, mouth, eyes, and another part of the body.
