🦠 German Measles (Rubella)

✅ Answer: (b) Rubella

📖 What is Rubella?

Rubella, commonly called German measles, is a viral infection caused by the Rubella virus.

👉 It spreads through respiratory droplets and usually causes a mild illness in children and adults.

Common symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever
• Pink or red rash
• Swollen lymph nodes (especially behind the ears and neck)
• Mild joint pain (more common in adults)

⚠️ Why is Rubella Important?

Rubella infection during early pregnancy can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), leading to serious birth defects such as:

• Congenital heart defects
• Cataracts
• Sensorineural deafness
• Developmental delay

👉 Prevention is achieved through the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.

❌ Why Other Options Are Wrong?

(a) Mumps
❌ A viral infection causing painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands.

(c) Rubeola
❌ Rubeola is measles, a different viral disease caused by the measles virus. It is not German measles.

(d) Pertussis
❌ Also known as whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

📝 Differentiate Common Childhood Diseases

📌 Exam Tip: Do not confuse Rubella (German measles) with Rubeola (Measles). Rubella is usually milder but is especially dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy because it can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).