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German Measles (Third Disease, Rubella), Pediatric

Michael J. Smith, MD, MSCE Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Rubella derived from Latin, meaning “little red.”

  • Disease initially considered variant of measles

  • Viral infection characterized by mild symptoms (often subclinical), with an erythemato...

DIAGNOSIS

If rubella is suspected, case should be reported to local public health authorities. 

HISTORY

  • In children, prodrome is not often recognized.

  • In adults, a 1- to 5-day prodrome of low-grade fever...

TREATMENT

Supportive care 

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Quite good; as many as 50% of infections are asymptomatic.

  • Rubella infection in a pregnant woman can be devastating for the infant (see “Complications”).

COMPLICATIONS

  • Tend to occur...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Rubella. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 30th ed. Elk Grove Villa...

CODES

ICD9

  • 056.9 Rubella without mention of complication

  • 771.0 Congenital rubella

  • 056.79 Rubella with other specified complications

  • 056.71 Arthritis due to rubella

ICD10

  • B06.9 Rubella without complication

  • P3...

FAQ

  • Q: Although pregnancy is a contraindication to rubella vaccination, if a pregnant woman is inadvertently vaccinated, will there be harm to the fetus?

  • A: Data collected since 1979 by the CDC show no...

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