German Measles |
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DESCRIPTION
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German measles is a mild infection that is also called Rubella (ru-BELL-uh) or three-day measles. The infection is no longer common because nowadays most children get a rubella shot (immunization) to prevent the disease.
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CAUSES
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Rubella is caused by a virus. It is spread in the air by the coughing and sneezing of an infected person.
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SYMPTOMS
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The hallmark of this infection is a skin rash of tiny, flat or slightly raised, pink-red spots all over the body. Other symptoms are fever, headache, sore eyes, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and swollen glands. The child also may have muscle aches and not want to eat. Rubella can be spread to others from 7 days before the rash starts until 5 days after it first appears. The rash is gone in 3 to 4 days.
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CARE
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There is no cure for rubella, but acetaminophen will help relieve fever and aches. Keep your child at home and away from pregnant women.
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