Tüüsusinfektsiooni

Tüüsusinfektsiooni, also known as rubella or German measles, is a contagious viral infection primarily affecting the respiratory tract. It is caused by the rubella virus, a member of the Togaviridae family. The virus spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear two to three weeks after exposure and can include a mild fever, headache, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash is often less intense than that of measles and may last only a few days. Swollen lymph nodes, particularly behind the ears and at the back of the neck, are also a common sign.

While rubella is generally a mild illness in children, it poses significant risks to pregnant women. If a woman contracts rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy, the virus can cause severe birth defects in the fetus, collectively known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). These defects can include hearing loss, vision problems (such as cataracts), heart defects, and intellectual disability. In some cases, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical symptoms and a history of exposure. Laboratory tests, such as blood tests to detect antibodies against the rubella virus, can confirm the diagnosis. There is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella; management focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Prevention is highly effective through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is widely administered in childhood and provides lifelong immunity. Vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of rubella and CRS in many parts of the world. Public health initiatives aim to achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage rates to prevent outbreaks.