Rubella virus

Introduction

Rubella virus causes the disease rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in pregnancy. Rubella has symptoms like the flu, however, the most important symptom is the appearance of a rash on the face that spreads. Other symptoms include: fever, swollen glands, and joint pains. Rare problems that could arise are brain inflammation and ear infection. Congenital rubella syndrome is present in newborns. A pregnant woman who has contracted rubella passes it on to the fetus. The classic three symptoms are: deafness, eye abnormalities, and congenital heart disease. Other symptoms may be: spleen and liver problems, intellectual disability, and low birth weight. In many cases, pregnant women may lose their child, due to a miscarriage. 

Hosts

Humans, especially dangerous for pregnant women and children. 

Transmission / Exposure Route

Rubella spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If a pregnant woman is infected, she can pass it to her developing baby, which can cause serious harm. 

Case Fatality Ratio

Rubella infection of children and adults is usually mild and self-limiting. However, children born with CRS have a higher risk of dying. Getting the Rubella vaccine is a good way to make sure the virus is not transmitted. 

Incubation Period

The incubation period varies from 12 to 23 days, with an average of 14 days.

Microbiology

Rubella virus is part of the Rubivirus genus, which is a single stranded RNA of positive polarity, enclosed by a capsid. 

Enviromental Survival

-20 degrees Celsius inactivates the Rubella virus. It is susceptible to UV light. It is not stable at a ph less than 6.8 or greater than 8.