section name header

Basics

Pathogenesis

Clinical Manifestations

Diagnosis

Diagnosis-icon.jpg Differential Diagnosis

Measles
  • Prodromal symptoms are of greater severity.

  • Koplik spots are present.

  • The rash lasts longer.

  • A high prodromal fever occurs in the absence of other symptoms.

  • The morphologic appearance and duration of the exanthem are similar to those of rubella.

Erythema Infectiosum
  • Patients have a distinctive “slapped cheek” erythema.

  • A lacy, reticular eruption occurs on the extremities.

  • The exanthem lasts longer than in rubella.

Scarlet Fever
  • Severe constitutional symptoms and pharyngitis are noted.

  • Patients have a “strawberry tongue.”

  • A “sandpapery” exanthem occurs.

  • Marked desquamation is associated with resolution (see Fig. 7.20A,B).

Drug Reaction
  • May be associated with marked pruritus.

  • The exanthem lasts longer than rubella.

Management-icon.jpg Management

  • No specific therapy is available. When necessary, supportive care including antipyretics or anti-inflammatory medications for arthralgias should be provided.

  • Rubella immunization is recommended for all children as an initial dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

  • Infected patients should be isolated from susceptible persons.

Helpful-Hint-icon.jpg Helpful Hint

  • Rubella immunization should be well documented in women of childbearing age; if antirubella antibody titers are negative, rubella immunization should be given.

Other Information

Complications