What is the difference between Measles and German Measles (Rubella)?
Measles, caused by a virus, gives a child a fever, pink eye, and a red pinpoint rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash lasts about 5 days. A common consequence is pneumonia. Some older children suffer from infection of the brain which can cause permanent brain damage. German Measles (Rubella), also caused by a virus, gives a child a milk rash on the face, swelling of glands behind the ear, low- grade fever, and swelling of small joints. Children recover without consequence. The danger of this disease is when a pregnant woman is infected. The unborn child can be permanently harmed. The virus can cause blindness, deafness, heart defects, and mental retardation. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a great way to protect many from these dangerous diseases. From the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, 2000.
