The impact of rubella virus on the fetus

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on December 08, 2024
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During pregnancy, if the pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, the impact on the pregnant woman herself is not significant; however, it primarily causes severe effects on the fetus. The main impact on the fetus is congenital damage, primarily involving congenital developmental abnormalities, with the early stages of pregnancy being the most critical. This period is a crucial phase of fetal development. If infected with the rubella virus, the risk coefficient can be as high as 80%. After intrauterine infection of the fetus, some patients may develop congenital rubella syndrome, primarily involving cardiac defects, cataracts, deafness, and even delayed brain damage after the baby is born.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rubella is caused by the rubella virus.

Measles is a contagious disease, mainly caused by infection with the rubella virus. Rubella can be transmitted through the air, droplets, and respiratory paths, and can also be spread by ordinary contact between people. There are large amounts of rubella virus in the saliva of patients with rubella, and when they talk, cough, or sneeze, droplets carrying the virus are produced. People with low immunity who inhale these droplets can become infected. Rubella is an acute self-limiting disease, and currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs available. Many patients can fully recover in about two weeks.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What should you eat to recover quickly from rubella?

Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and generally, patients do not require treatment and can recover in about two weeks. However, if symptoms are significant and include fever and joint pain, it may be appropriate to consider using some antipyretic and pain-relief medications. Most patients can fully recover in about two weeks without needing hospital treatment, but appropriate isolation measures should be taken. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume light, easily digestible food and avoid overly spicy and irritating foods. Generally, rest is recommended, and if appetite is poor, it is better to eat small, frequent meals and avoid fatigue.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What department should I go to for rubella virus testing?

If testing for rubella virus, it is best to consult the Department of Infectious Diseases or the Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. Rubella virus-specific antibody IgM can be detected through blood tests, or the virus can be isolated from the patient's nasopharyngeal secretions. For pregnant women, the presence of the rubella virus in the amniotic fluid can be examined to diagnose whether the fetus has contracted the infection. After rubella virus infection, there are no specific antiviral drugs available; treatment mainly involves symptomatic care. Rubella itself is a self-limiting disease, which usually fully recovers in about two weeks.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Impact of Rubella Virus on the Fetus

During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman is infected with rubella virus, it poses a significant risk to the fetus, primarily causing congenital developmental abnormalities. For example, there may be cardiac malformations, congenital heart disease, cataracts, and deafness. Some may experience delayed brain damage during infancy after the baby is born, as well as diabetes or other central nervous system disorders. When rubella virus infection occurs, it is generally advised to consider terminating the pregnancy. The risk of fetal infection and congenital malformations is highest in early pregnancy, potentially exceeding 80%.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does the blood test for rubella virus require fasting?

During the examination for rubella, blood can be drawn to test for rubella virus-specific antibodies IgG and IgM. It is best to conduct these tests on an empty stomach as fasting results are more accurate. Additionally, rubella virus can be isolated from some of the nasal secretions of the patient, though this test is more expensive and less commonly used. Rubella is a self-limiting disease; if IgM is found positive through rubella antibody testing, rubella can be confirmed and symptomatic treatment should be administered. There is no specific antiviral medication for the rubella virus.