As of: February 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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Rubella is very contagious, but does not always cause symptoms.
The viral disease is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
What needs to be taken into account.
Rubella is currently occurring more frequently in some federal states.
The health authorities are reporting many cases in daycare centers and schools, especially in Saarland and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The viral disease is usually harmless, but contrary to popular belief, it can also affect adults.
The disease is particularly dangerous for pregnant women up to the 20th week of pregnancy who have not yet had a rubella infection.
The viruses can pass to the unborn baby and lead to miscarriages and stillbirths, as the
Federal Ministry of Health
reports.
What is rubella?
Ringworms are also called “slap disease” because of their characteristic red cheeks (symbolic image).
© Pond5 Images/Imago
Rubella occurs mainly from late winter to early summer and is transmitted by the parvovirus B19.
Similar to other childhood diseases, such as hand-foot-mouth or scarlet fever, the infection occurs from person to person through droplet infection when sneezing, coughing or speaking.
It can take one to two weeks from infection to outbreak of the disease.
This usually results in the characteristic red skin rash, which first appears on the face and then on the arms and legs and is often confused with an allergic skin reaction.
According to the professional association of pediatricians and adolescent doctors (BVKJ),
further symptoms include
:
Feeling of tension and itching on the skin
Fever, chills
Muscle aches
Headache
In some cases: joint pain that lasts for weeks
Over time, the spots change into pale red ringlets, which give the disease its name, before the rash disappears.
The skin is often dry and flaky afterwards.
The rash can come back again under heat, stress or sun exposure.
Other patients, however, have no symptoms at all.
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Risk of infection before the first symptoms
For most people, rubella progresses without complications.
Since the virus multiplies in the precursor cells of the red blood cells and destroys them, a temporary lack of blood can occur, but this disappears after the infection.
However, the infection is dangerous for pregnant women who are not immune to rubella.
As with the rubella virus, the parvovirus B19 can pass to the fetus and cause serious damage.
Even if the pregnant woman has no symptoms.
In addition, rubella is very contagious before the first signs of illness appear.
This is how pregnant women can protect themselves
In Germany, according to the
Professional Association of Gynecologists (BVF),
30 to 40 percent of pregnant women have no protection.
There is currently no vaccination against rubella; only the infection leads to lifelong immunity.
If pregnant women have had contact with an infected person, the
Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA)
advises them to contact a doctor immediately.
The following measures also help to reduce the risk of infection:
Avoid people with rubella and facilities with cases of rubella
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap regularly
Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
No sharing food or drinks
Do not share dishes or other utensils
If possible, get tested before pregnancy to see whether there is protection against rubella
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.