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Secrets of the mysterious virus: Do you know the culprit behind the rash?
Among the symptoms similar to the flu lurks a subtle disease called German measles, also known as rubella. This infection, caused by the rash virus, is usually mild and unnoticeable. According to research by medical experts, about half of patients do not even realize that they are infected, and the virus in their bodies may inadvertently spread to others.
Symptoms usually appear about two weeks after exposure to the virus, and are mainly manifested as a red rash on the face. Whenever the rash appears, the patient's lymph nodes are often accompanied by swelling, as well as fever, sore throat and fatigue.
The rash usually resolves on its own within three days, which is why it is called "three-day measles." The initial rash appears on the face and then spreads throughout the body. Unlike the eye-catching effect of measles, the red rash is slightly lighter in color, but is often accompanied by itching. For adults, joint pain is a common symptom. In some cases, complications can lead to bleeding problems, swelling of the testicles, encephalitis, and inflammation of nerves.
What is even more frightening is that if a pregnant woman is infected with erythema during early pregnancy, she may suffer a miscarriage, or her newborn baby may be affected by congenital erythema syndrome (CRS). These symptoms involve major defects in organs such as the eyes, heart, and brain, and the risk is particularly high if the mother contracted the rash during her first trimester.
Nominally, only humans can be infected with the erythema virus, and insects do not spread the disease. The main way to confirm the diagnosis is to test the body's blood, throat or urine to find the presence of the virus.
The spread of rash
The spread of rash is mainly through the air. When an infected person coughs, the virus is easily spread in the air with aerosols. A contagious person can usually spread the virus a week before and a week after the rash appears. Infants who are infected with CRS at birth may continue to shed the virus for more than a year. In most cases, people who have recovered will become immune to future infections, but how is this immunity maintained?
Prevention and treatment
At present, the most effective way to prevent rash is to get vaccinated against rash. The vaccine creates powerful antibodies in the immune system that prevent further spread of the virus. According to the WHO plan, it is recommended that the first dose of the vaccine be given at 12 to 18 months of age, followed by the second dose at 36 months of age. As vaccination rates drop, there is a risk of a resurgence of the rash.
With the spread of vaccination, the incidence of rash has dropped to very low levels in many areas. However, there is no specific treatment for people who are already infected, and management focuses on targeting symptoms to reduce discomfort.
History and current situation
Looking back at history, German doctors had described this condition as early as the mid-eighteenth century. As time goes by, the medical community gradually realizes the importance and influence of rash as an independent disease. Beginning in the 1950s, scientists worked on the erythema virus, and an effective experimental vaccine was launched in 1969.
To this day, outbreaks of rash still occur from time to time in some areas, especially in countries with low vaccination rates. Epidemiological data show that infection cases are relatively more frequent than in other areas. For this reason, the global immunization program still cannot be relaxed, because every detail may affect the health of the next generation. Not only the individual, but also the health of the entire society.
With the strengthening of public health propaganda, the global epidemic of rash is being controlled. In 2015, the World Health Organization announced that the spread of erythema was under control in the Americas. Although rash still exists in some countries, global vaccination has been very effective. Will it be eradicated? More efforts and attention are still needed.
