⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Rubella
🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this mild but high-stakes viral illness – crucial for exam prep and clinical awareness in pregnancy.
🧠 Key Learning Points
📌 Definition
• Rubella (German measles) is a mild viral illness caused by the rubella virus.
• Usually self-limiting in children, but severe fetal complications can occur in pregnancy (Congenital Rubella Syndrome – CRS).
📌 Causes & Risk Factors
• Rubella virus (respiratory droplet spread)
• Biggest risk: Unvaccinated pregnant women
• Other risks: Immunosuppression, travel to areas with low vaccine uptake
🧠 Mnemonic: “RUBELLA = Rash Unnoticed But Extremely Lethal Late Antenatally”
📌 Pathophysiology
• Virus infects respiratory epithelium → lymph nodes → bloodstream
• Crosses placenta → damages fetal organs → CRS
📌 Symptoms
• Mild fever, conjunctivitis, malaise
• Pink maculopapular rash: starts behind ears/face → spreads down
• Lymphadenopathy: cervical, suboccipital, postauricular nodes
• Arthralgia common in adults
• Forchheimer spots (palate) may be present
🧠 Visual tip: Rash flows down the face like a waterfall 🌊
📌 Differential Diagnosis
• Measles, roseola, parvovirus B19
• Enteroviruses, adenovirus, CMV, HIV
• Dengue, Zika, chikungunya (travel history!)
• Scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease, syphilis
• Drug reactions (e.g. from antiepileptics)
📌 Diagnosis
• 🔬 Serology – IgM rubella antibodies
• 🧪 PCR – viral RNA detection
• FBC: lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia
• CRS: antenatal ultrasound, virology referral
🧠 Tip: Always notify suspected rubella (UK notifiable disease)
📌 Management
• 🌡️ Supportive only – rest, fluids, antipyretics
• ❌ Avoid aspirin in kids (Reye's syndrome risk)
• 🏫 Exclude from school 5 days post-rash onset
• 🤰 Urgent referral if suspected in pregnancy – involve ID & obstetrics
📌 Complications
• CRS: congenital deafness, cataracts, CHD, intellectual disability
• Others (rare): encephalitis, arthritis, thrombocytopenia, GBS
📌 Prognosis
• Children/adults: Excellent – usually self-resolving
• Fetus (if infected): Poor – especially in first trimester
📎 More MSRA Resources for Rubella
📝 Revision Notes:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/rubella-revision-notes-2/
🧠 Flashcards:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/rubella-flashcards-2/
💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/rubella-accordion-qa-notes-2/
🚀 Rapid Quiz:
https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/rubella-rapid-quiz-2/
🎓 Full Course:
https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/infectious-diseases-for-the-msra/
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