Rubellums

Rubellums, commonly known as measles, is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus (Measles morbillivirus), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. The illness primarily affects children but can occur at any age. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and small white spots with blue-white centers (Koplik’s spots) inside the mouth. These are followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the trunk and limbs over several days.

Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread through direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. Rubellums is highly contagious, with up to 90% of susceptible individuals developing the disease after exposure to an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 10 to 14 days before symptoms appear.

Complications from measles can be severe and include pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infections, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which may lead to permanent neurological damage or death. In rare cases, a rare but serious condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after infection, resulting in progressive brain damage.

Prevention relies heavily on vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. A two-dose regimen is recommended for children, with the first dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose around 4 to 6 years old. Vaccination has significantly reduced measles cases globally, though outbreaks can still occur in unvaccinated populations.

While rubellums is generally mild in healthy individuals, it poses greater risks to pregnant women, as infection can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the developing fetus, causing birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. Public health efforts continue to emphasize vaccination to eliminate measles and protect vulnerable populations.