If you are a new parent, you will come across various complications while taking care of your newborn. As a baby’s immune system is not fully developed, he is prone to many diseases or infections. Amongst all others, Rubelle or German Measles is a quite common infection found in babies and kids. According to the teachers of Montessori Fullerton CA, though there is nothing to be worried about, you should be aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this not so harmful infection.

What is Rubella?

Rubella, caused by the same virus, is mainly an infection that affects lymph nodes and skin. Though the disease is quite mild and there is nothing to be worried about, it is highly contagious. A very common symptom of Rubella is the appearance of red rashes on the children’s face and whole body. Earlier it used to be a very common disease among younger kids and toddlers especially in the winters. But nowadays kids are given vaccines for the disease in the form of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).

Symptoms of Rubella :

Rubella can easily infect children if they come in close contact with the virus. In such cases, you see the following signs and symptoms in your kids :

• Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, primarily in the neck, armpits, and the groin region.
• Kids may have high to medium fever or common cold and cough.
• Kids will complain about headaches and inflammation.
• You will observe tiny red spots, resembling skin rashes, on their faces. These spots will slowly gradually spread to the whole body.
• Blocked or runny nose.
• Body aches mainly at the joints and in muscles.

Causes of Rubella :

Though Rubella is not a common disease in developed countries it is prevalent in India and other third world countries. It is contagious and the virus is airborne. Montessori Fullerton CA teachers have seen that it spreads to healthy people even before the infected person knows he is sick. Rubella can even be transmitted by pregnant women to the growing fetus through the blood.

Some other important information about Rubella :

• Rubella is less contagious than chickenpox or measles. But coming into close contact with infected mucus or saliva, especially via sneezing and coughing can result in this infection.
• The incubation period of the Rubella virus is 2 to 3 weeks. So, kids exposed to the virus may take up to 3 weeks to show any symptoms of this infection.
• Normally Rubella rash in babies lasts for 3 to 4 days. But the swollen lymph nodes may not come to the normal size before 7 to 10 days and body aches may stay as long as 2 weeks.

Treatment of Rubella Virus in children :

According to the teachers of Montessori Fullerton CA, most of the time Rubella resolves on its own, and medication is not required for this. But if your child feels too uncomfortable with the symptoms, you can consult a doctor.

If you see any symptoms of Rubella in your kids, please do not panic or get stressed. Stay calm, talk to the doctor and everything will be fine within a few days.