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Rubella Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rubella

[ruːˈbɛlə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection characterized by a red rash and mild fever. It is caused by the rubella virus and is typically mild in children, but can cause serious complications, such as birth defects, if a pregnant woman contracts the virus during the first trimester.

Synonyms

German measles, three-day measles.

Examples of usage

  • The child was diagnosed with rubella after the outbreak at school.
  • Vaccination can prevent rubella and its complications.
  • Rubella is less common now due to widespread immunization.
  • Symptoms of rubella typically include a rash and fever.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Public Health

  • Vaccination programs have drastically reduced the incidence of rubella, leading to it being rare in many parts of the world.
  • Rubella is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus.

History

  • The first rubella epidemic in the United States was reported in 1964, leading to a significant public health response.
  • The development of the rubella vaccine in the 1960s was a major breakthrough in protecting children and pregnant women alike.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Common symptoms include a rash, mild fever, and swollen lymph nodes, often confused with other similar illnesses.
  • A blood test can confirm rubella infection, making it important for diagnosis in suspected cases.

Cultural Impact

  • In some cultures, increased awareness of rubella has sparked initiatives focused on vaccination and health education.
  • Public campaigns have successfully highlighted the importance of rubella vaccination, especially for young women considering pregnancy.

Origin of 'rubella'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rubella' comes from Latin, meaning 'little red', which refers to the rash it causes.
  • Before being named 'rubella', it was commonly known as 'German measles', hinting at its ties to Germany where it was studied in the 18th century.

The term 'rubella' comes from the Latin word 'rubellus', which means 'reddish' or 'little red'. The name refers to the rash that characterizes the illness. It was first recognized as a distinct disease in the 18th century, but it wasn't until the 20th century that the cause, a virus, was identified. The rubella virus was discovered in 1962, and since then, vaccinations have been introduced to prevent its spread. The global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of rubella, particularly in developed countries. Vaccination against rubella is often included in combination vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is recommended for children. The importance of vaccination has been underscored by the potential for rubella to cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,292, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.