Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Rubella (German Measles)
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by a virus.
- Generally a mild illness especially in children
- Symptoms include a low grade fever, swelling of the glands behind the ears and in the neck and a rash. Some people may experience aches, pains and swelling of the joints.
- Half of infections occur without a rash.
- Contagious from seven days before the rash appears and 5 to 7 days after onset of rash.
- Spread from person to person through droplets from the mouth and nose.
- Symptoms usually appear within 14 to 21 days after contact with an infected person.
Instructions for Schools
- Report immediately to Peel Public Health at 905- 799-7700
- Child can return to school 8 days after the onset of rash.
- Advise pregnant staff members to consult their physician (immune
testing is routinely done prenatally). - Encourage thorough hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
- Remember to protect the confidentiality of the student by not disclosing a diagnosis to concerned parents and/or colleagues. If contact follow up of those exposed is required Peel Public Health will contact those who are at risk
Notes
- Vaccinations are given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Rubella vaccine is given in combination with measles and mumps vaccine (MMR) or measles, mumps and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (MMRV).
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