The impact of rubella virus on the fetus

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on December 08, 2024
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During pregnancy, if the pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, the impact on the pregnant woman herself is not significant; however, it primarily causes severe effects on the fetus. The main impact on the fetus is congenital damage, primarily involving congenital developmental abnormalities, with the early stages of pregnancy being the most critical. This period is a crucial phase of fetal development. If infected with the rubella virus, the risk coefficient can be as high as 80%. After intrauterine infection of the fetus, some patients may develop congenital rubella syndrome, primarily involving cardiac defects, cataracts, deafness, and even delayed brain damage after the baby is born.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How is rubella virus caused?

Rubella is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by the rubella virus, which can lead to a series of symptoms following infection. It can be transmitted from mother to child, as the rubella virus can pass to the fetus through the placenta. Additionally, it can be transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets commonly found in the environment. Patients with rubella have a high concentration of the virus in their saliva. When they talk, cough, or sneeze, virus-laden droplets are produced. When ordinary people inhale these droplets, they may contract the disease. Rubella is self-limiting, and most cases are mild and can fully recover on their own.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is the rubella virus easily contagious?

Rubella virus is relatively easy to contract. It can be transmitted through airborne droplets or through contact between people, so it's best to isolate oneself during an infection. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella; management typically involves symptomatic treatment. Many patients with mild conditions can recover completely in about two weeks without treatment. Generally, the infection does not recur, and one usually gains immunity, preventing re-infection. After recovering from rubella, there are generally no significant sequelae.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What causes rubella?

Rubella is primarily caused by an infection of the rubella virus, a type of acute respiratory contagious disease. Once rubella occurs, it is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and children are more susceptible to this disease. Patients with rubella are the only source of infection. The rubella virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and close personal contact. If pregnant women are infected with rubella, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Rubella is caused by the rubella virus infection, but certain conditions are required such as a decrease in the body's resistance or the absence of antibodies against the rubella virus in the body, which can lead to the development of rubella. Clinically, it is usually characterized by mild fever, widespread small and unevenly sized papules across the body, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, on the neck, and at the base of the skull.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What medicine is used to treat rubella virus?

Regarding the treatment of rubella, it mainly involves symptomatic treatment, and there are no specific antiviral drugs for treatment. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, most of which can fully recover without recurrence, and generally does not leave sequelae. After infection, a certain level of immunity is acquired, and if re-infected, the symptoms are usually milder or even asymptomatic. Generally, patients can recover in about two weeks. If there are obvious symptoms of fever and joint pain, symptomatic treatment can be carried out, such as using some antipyretics and pain relievers.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rubella virus antibody is associated with rubella.

Rubella antibodies include rubella IgG and rubella IgM. Through the testing of rubella antibodies along with the patient's clinical symptoms, many cases can be diagnosed. If rubella is definitively diagnosed, it generally requires appropriate isolation. Patients with mild conditions usually do not need hospitalization and can isolate at home. The main treatment is symptomatic management; generally, no medication is needed if there are no obvious symptoms, and complete recovery can be expected in about two weeks. If there are symptoms like fever and pain, medications such as antipyretic analgesics and pain relievers can be used for treatment and management, and a real-time assessment should be made based on the actual situation.