RUBELLA (German Measles or Three-Day Measles)

    Fourteen to twenty-one days from the time of exposure to rubella, susceptible persons will feel tired and may have slightly swollen lymph nodes under the eyes, behind the ears, and in the neck. Other symptoms of rubella include the development of a headache, moderate fever and runny nose, and a finely textured pinkish rash which starts on the face and neck, moves to the trunk and limbs, and lasts for about 3 days.
The virus is spread through the air or by physical contact. See the sections on Measles and Air Purification in this book.
    Rubella is much milder in children and adults than "red" measles, which not only differs in the color of the rash from rubella, but displays a painful cough and Koplik's spots on the inside of the mouth.
    Women in their first three months of pregnancy who are susceptible to rubella, can contract the virus (usually from children) and naturally abort or give birth to developmentally defective and often mentally retarded (congenital rubella) infants.
    In children up though teenagers, the illness is generally mild. Except for the risk of congenital rubella, some scientists question the risk/benefit ratio of immunizing children. An immunization offers about15 years of protection and may pose risks.
    Rubella may be difficult to properly determine without a trained health care provider using laboratory testing, as some of the symptoms can resemble other illnesses.
    * Since the active virus can be spread from about one week before to one week after the eruption of the rash, epidemics of rubella sweep through susceptible children quickly. By then the virus has spread throughout the body. Only palliative care can be given to ease discomfort and prevent secondary infections such as pneumonia. Soaking in a hot bath with 1 oz of Renew Bath Oil and 1 oz of Sol-U-Mel for 20 minutes may help diminish the rash. Chicken soup, Melaleuca Herbal Tea, and Vita-Bears are the rations of choice. Solid food can be given upon request, which is usually after the rash subsides. See also Measles.