Rubella and Rubeola Comparison: Causes, Symptoms, and Further Details
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing three highly infectious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. According to health organizations, children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12-15 months and the second dose at 4 to 5 years.
Rubella, also known as German measles, and rubeola, or measles, are infectious diseases caused by different viruses. Symptoms of rubella include a red or discolored rash, low-grade fever, sore throat, and arthritis in adult females. Rubeola, on the other hand, presents with a runny or dripping nose, high fever, rash, cough, and conjunctivitis.
If left untreated, both diseases can lead to complications. For instance, children who contract measles may develop seizures, which can have a lasting effect on their cognitive development and coordination. Pregnant people who contract measles can face life-threatening consequences, including miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause deafness, cataracts, heart defects, developmental problems, liver and spleen damage, and other severe health issues in the unborn child.
Diagnosing rubella and rubeola involves several tests, including nasopharyngeal swabs, throat swabs, urine samples, blood and serum samples, and in the case of newborns, immunoglobulin M (IgM) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody tests. Healthcare professionals may also order a blood count to screen for decreased platelet and white blood cell count in rubeola cases.
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to lower the risk of rubella and rubeola infection. It is recommended that children from 6 months of age receive the first dose, with standard two doses spaced by a month for those born after 1963 without immunity documentation. Even adults who did not receive the MMR vaccine as children can still receive it to protect themselves and others.
Despite the vaccine's effectiveness and safety, vaccination rates have declined in some countries due to misinformation, such as the false claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important to note that this claim has been debunked by numerous scientific studies.
In the United States, rubella has been eliminated, but each year unvaccinated travelers acquire it in other countries and bring it back, causing outbreaks. Infants born with rubella may require individual treatment, depending on how the virus has affected them.
In managing rubella and rubeola cases, doctors aim to manage symptoms rather than cure the viruses directly. They may use drugs like acetaminophen to manage fever, and in the case of newborns, they may administer immunoglobulin to help boost the infant's immune system.
The goal of health organizations in administering the MMR vaccine is to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella infections, preventing outbreaks and complications. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the overall health and safety of your community.
