Rubella in North Texas

TCU student diagnosed with RUBELLA 

Thursday AUGUST 27, 2015. Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

A Texas Christian University student has been diagnosed with the communicable virus rubella, also called German measles. Tarrant County Public Health officials confirmed the case late Thursday afternoon. The student doesn't live on campus. 

The student with rubella had recently traveled through a region known to have measles cases, health officials said. 

The virus is dangerous for non-immune pregnant women because it can cause serious birth defects or end the pregnancy, according to a statement issued by Tarrant County officials. 

The virus is spread by contact through coughing or sneezing. Half of people who have the virus do not have symptoms. 

Rubella causes a low fever and a rash in children that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Older children and adults may have cold symptoms and swollen glands before a rash appears. Aching joints may occur, especially in young women. Symptoms last 2 or 3 days. 

A person is contagious 10 days before the onset of the rash until 1 to 2 weeks after the rash is gone. 

Rubella complications. While the disease is often mild in people who are not pregnant, it can be very serious for pregnant women. Up to 90% of babies whose mothers had rubella during the first 3 months of pregnancy can develop congenital rubella syndrome, which can come with these problems (Source: Mayo Clinic): 

• Growth issues 

• Mental issues 

• Deafness 

• Congenital heart defects, and defects in other organs 

• Cataracts


Dear Friends,


If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, please have your rubella titer checked to be sure you have immunity.


Take care,


Dr. Zomnir

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