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Rubella: symptoms and complications
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Rubella has no generally accepted classification. It is customary to allocate acquired and congenital rubella. The acquired rubella is divided into typical, atypical (without rash) and subclinical (inapparant). Congenital rubella is classified according to the prevailing lesion (CNS, cardiovascular system, hearing organ, vision organ). Typical forms of the disease have characteristic symptoms of rubella, are characterized by a certain cyclicity of the course of infection with a change of periods: incubation, prodromal, rash (exanthema) and convalescence.
The incubation period of rubella lasts from 10 to 25 days, on average - 16-20 days. Prodromal (or catarrhal) period - 1-3 days. The period of the rash is 2-4 days. The period of convalescence proceeds, as a rule, smoothly, without complications.
[Complications of rubella
Complications are rarely observed. Possible benign polyarteritis with lesions of small and medium joints, thrombocytopenic purpura. The most serious complication is encephalitis (meningoencephalitis, encephalomyelitis), which often develops in adults. Encephalitis can be combined with thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms of rubella can grow, which is evidence of encephalitis. Suddenly, the body temperature rises, generalized convulsions, disorders of consciousness up to the development of coma. Possible meningeal symptoms, delirious syndrome, paresis of cranial nerves, limbs. Hyperkinesis, cerebellar, diencephalic and tabloid symptoms, disorders of pelvic organs. In the cerebrospinal fluid, an increase in the level of protein and glucose is observed with a normal lactate content, in some patients a two-digit mixed or lymphocytic pleocytosis. A lethal outcome is possible.
Mortality
Rubella is benign. The only cause of death is encephalitis.