The Rubella virus is transmitted
person to person respiratory droplets. People who both asymptomatic and showing
symptoms are able to transmit the disease. The disease is most contagious when
the rash first appears but the virus is able to be shed 7 days before the rash
appear. The rubella virus is classified a togavirus. An enveloped RNA virus and
humans are its only known reservoir meaning it is able to be eradicated (1).
Rubella usually presents as a
nonspecific maculopapular and generalized rash that lasts less than 3 days with
generalized lymphadenopathy. Following the
rash, a low grade fever, malaise, anorexia, mild conjunctivitis, runny nose,
and sore throat are experienced. In the adolescents and adults, especially in
women its can present itself as transient arthritis. Asymptomatic rubella
infections are common and dangerous since during pregnancy it can lead to miscarriage,
fetal death, or infants born with sever birth defects known as CRS (2).
(3).
Three vaccines were licensed in the US
in 1969 HPV-77:DE-5 Meruvax, HPV-77:DK-12
Rubelogen, and GMK-3:RK53 Cendevax. However, HPV-77:DK-12 was later removed
from the market because there was a higher rate of joint complaints following
vaccination with this strain. Then, in 1979 the RA 27/3 (human diploid
fibroblast) strain (Meruvax-II, Merck) was licensed and all other strains were
discontinued. The RA 27/3 rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine
virus and it is available combines with measles, mumps and it is known as MMR
in the US and not the single antigen Rubella vaccine. The CDC recommends at
least one dose for children 12 months or older and then a second dose at age
4-6 years old (1).
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, April 15). Pinkbook. Retrieved May 07, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/rubella.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, June 24). Rubella - Chapter 4 - 2020 Yellow Book. Retrieved May 07, 2020, from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/rubella
- Sun, L. (2019, April 11). How does measles spread? Do I need another MMR vaccine shot? How dangerous is measles? FAQ on the outbreaks. Retrieved May 07, 2020, from
