Differences Between Rubella and Measles

Rubella and measles are two infectious diseases that are often mistaken for the same because they both cause rashes. However, there are significant differences in causes, symptoms, and risk of complications. Both of these diseases are caused by viruses and are easily contagious, but each requires a different approach to treatment and prevention.

Rubella, or often referred to as “German measles,” is milder than measles. This disease is usually transmitted through droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected individual. Although rubella may not cause serious complications in healthy adults, it poses a great risk to pregnant women as it can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome which affects the development of the baby.

Causes and Modes of Transmission

Rubella is caused by the rubella virus and usually spreads when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The disease can also be transmitted through direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of an infected person.

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which is highly contagious. It is also transmitted through airborne droplets and can spread when a person breathes in air contaminated with the virus from coughing or sneezing.

Signs and Symptoms

Rubella patients usually experience mild symptoms such as a low-grade fever, a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, and sore throat. Symptoms may last for about 1-5 days after the rash appears.

Compared to rubella, the symptoms of measles are more severe. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Small white spots (Koplik’s spots) appear inside the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks. These are distinctive for measles and appear 1-2 days before onset of rash.

Complications

Serious complications of rubella are rare, but for pregnant women, it can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Babies infected in the womb may have birth defects such as heart problems, loss of eyesight or hearing, intellectual disability and liver or spleen damage.

Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Importance of Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure to protect yourself from rubella and measles. The MMR vaccine, which protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is included in the childhood immunisation schedule in Malaysia. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are usually given – one at 9 months and a second dose at 12 months.

Vaccines not only protect the individual who receives the injection but also protect the community through herd immunity. When the majority of the population is vaccinated, the risk of disease transmission decreases, thus protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Source: www.gleneagles.com.my