Rubella: FIVE must-know facts for your safety
Rubella has been making headlines for sometime in South Africa. Here are FIVE must-know facts for your safety.
In recent news, it’s crucial to shed light on an often underestimated viral infection, Rubella, also known as German measles.
Rubella is a viral infection that affects both adults and children. It’s a worry in South Africa, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn babies, due to potential harm.
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Although isolated instances were seen across the country, South Africa could potentially see a rise in cases, according to the Times Live.
RUBELLA:FIVE FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT
1. A highly contagious virus
Rubella is a virus that spreads easily, mostly through coughs and sneezes, making it highly contagious. It’s vital to understand its transmission to protect yourself and others.
2. Mostly mild symptoms
The majority of Rubella cases show mild symptoms like a rash, fever, and swollen glands, or sometimes no symptoms at all. However, the real concern lies in the potential risks.
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3. Severe Dangers During Pregnancy
Rubella can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. If they contract the virus during the first trimester, it can lead to serious birth defects, known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), affecting the baby’s heart, hearing, and more.
4. Powerful Vaccination Protection
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is the superhero shield against Rubella. It’s highly effective in preventing the virus and its complications, including CRS. Be sure to check your vaccination status.
5. Global Fight Against Rubella
Around the world, countries are joining forces to eliminate Rubella and CRS. They’re launching vaccination campaigns, focusing on kids and women of childbearing age, aiming to create herd immunity.
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINATIONS THAT ARE BEING ADMINISTERED
South Africa has started giving MMR vaccinations regularly to stop the virus from spreading.
- They give these shots to kids at 9 and 18 months.
- The South African Department of Health is actively telling people about these shots. They want more people to know how to stop rubella.
- The main goal is to make sure lots of people in the community can’t get the virus. This way, it won’t spread easily.
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A spokesperson said, “We need to teach the community and use what we have to make sure everyone, especially pregnant women and kids, gets the shots they need to be safe from rubella.”