Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis

Rubella Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Rubella from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Case Studies
Case #1
Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis
Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Rubella
Risk calculators and risk factors for Rubella natural history, complications and prognosis

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Natural History

Rubella is transmitted primarily through direct or droplet contact from nasopharyngeal secretions, and affects adolescents and adults.The onset of viremia is usually between 8-9 days after exposure, peaking at 10-17 days. The onset of rash usually occurs 16-18 days after exposure. Approximately 10 days after infection, viral shedding from the nasopharynx begins. The patient is most contagious 5 days before the onset of the rash to 6 days after the appearance of the rash. Majority of the patients are asymptomatic and few present with low grade fever, skin rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. Rubella is a self limiting condition and most patients have no sequalae but few patients develop arthritis.

Complications

• The most common complication of rubella in adults is the development of arthritis.
• The most serious complication of rubella is the transmission of infection to the fetus if the women is a pregnant at the time of infection. Infection of the fetus during gestation can result in congenital rubella syndrome.
• Rare complications of rubella include thrombocytopenic purpura and encephalitis.

Prognosis

Rubella is a self limiting condition and most patients have no sequelae and have good prognosis but few patients develop arthritis.