Everything You Need to Know About Rubella in Babies

Rubella is a contagious viral disease that can affect children, particularly babies. This article aims to inform you about this infection and give you the keys to better understand its symptoms and treatment.

Symptoms of rubella in babies

The first signs of infection by the rubella virus generally appear 14 to 23 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms vary depending on age; however, here are the most common manifestations:

High temperature: rubella often causes a moderate to high fever in infants. This may persist for a few days before gradually subsiding.

Skin rash: one of the hallmarks of rubella is the appearance of a skin rash (exanthem) in the form of small red or pink spots, which spreads across the child's face, trunk, and limbs.

Swollen lymph nodes: during the infection, the cervical and posterior lymph nodes in the neck may swell. This swelling was once considered a distinctive sign of rubella, though this is not always the case today.

Conjunctivitis: the eyes of a baby with rubella are often red and watery, a sign of temporary conjunctivitis.

Mild rhinitis: a runny or congested nose is another common symptom in young children with rubella.

It is also possible for your baby to display more general symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and loss of appetite. In some cases, rubella can go unnoticed as the signs are very mild or even absent.

Contagion and prevention of rubella

The rubella virus is transmitted primarily through nasal and throat secretions, particularly when a child coughs or sneezes. An infected person is contagious for approximately one week before the rash appears up until one week after.

Vaccination against rubella

The best way to prevent rubella is to have your child vaccinated. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is recommended for babies from 12 months of age, followed by a second dose between 16 months and 6 years. This vaccine is highly effective in protecting against rubella, with an estimated coverage rate of 95% after the first dose.

Precautions to take in the event of exposure to the virus

If your baby has been in contact with an infected person, it is essential to watch for the onset of symptoms. In addition, if you think your child may have rubella, consult a doctor without delay for a diagnosis and appropriate advice.

Treatment of rubella in babies

Treatment for rubella is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms, as there is no specific medication to combat the virus.

Here are a few measures you can take to help your baby:

Antipyretics: to relieve fever and mild pain, you can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the dosages recommended by your paediatrician.

Hydration: make sure your baby drinks enough water or breast milk to prevent dehydration.

Rest: encourage your child to rest as much as possible to aid their recovery.

Relieving itching: applying a soothing lotion to your child's skin can help reduce the itching caused by the rash.

In general, babies with rubella recover within one to two weeks without any major complications. However, it is important to consult a doctor if the fever persists or if symptoms worsen.

Rubella and risks for pregnant women

Rubella can be dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause serious congenital abnormalities in the foetus when the infection occurs during the first months of pregnancy. It is therefore essential for women of childbearing age to check their immunity to rubella before planning a pregnancy.

In the event of contact with a child who has rubella, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor immediately. If it transpires that she is not protected by vaccination, a preventive treatment called specific immunoglobulin (Ig) can be administered.

Possible complications of rubella in babies

Although rubella is generally considered a mild illness, it can cause rare but serious complications:

Mastoiditis: inflammation of the tissue behind the ear can occur in some cases, causing pain and potentially hearing loss.

Meningitis: infection of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication.

Haemolytic anaemia: in very rare cases, rubella can cause the rupture of red blood cells, leading to anaemia or severe weakness in the baby.

It is therefore important to remain vigilant and consult a doctor in the event of alarming symptoms to avoid these complications.

In summary, rubella remains a worrying illness in babies due to its symptoms and associated risks. As vaccination represents the best preventive measure, it is advisable to follow the vaccination schedule to protect your child. In the event of exposure to the virus or suspected rubella, a prompt medical consultation will ensure appropriate follow-up and help to avoid any potential complications.