Childhood Rashes & RNA Virus Infection
Togavirus & Paramyxovirus: Viral Diseases Rubella and Measles
A viral or bacterial infection that causes the skin to erupt in a rash covering most of the body is called an exanthem. Initially six distinct childhood exanthems were identified from what was once called the “measles.” Today, there are many recognized exanthems.
This article series covers some of the virus mediated rashes most commonly encountered during childhood; those caused by DNA viruses (chickenpox, erythemia infectiosum, roseola) and those caused by RNA viruses (rubella and rubeola), as well as their transmission and prevention.
RNA Viruses that Cause Childhood Infectious Rashes
Rubella
Infectious Agent
Also known as German measles, liberty measles, and 3-day measles, this infectious disease is caused by an enveloped RNA virus of the Togavirus family.
Symptoms and Course
The incubation period for rubella is generally two to three weeks. Sometimes the disease is so mild, that an attack can pass unnoticed, and it difficult to diagnose and track the incidence of this infectious disease. Once established, virus can last one to five days, with children recovering more quickly than adults.
At Risk
Rubella can be transmitted from mother to developing fetus through the bloodstream via placenta. If this occurs within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the child is at risk for congenital rubella syndrome, which includes a range of birth defects.
Measles
Infectious Agent
Also known as rubeola, measles is caused by an enveloped RNA virus of the Paramyxovirus family.
Symptoms and Course
Measles usually lasts about 10 to 14 days. The classic symptoms include 3 day fever, itchy rash, and the three C’s: coughing, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
In some parts of the world, the disease is potentially deadly. In developed countries with good medical care, people who contract measles may become very ill, but most recover completely. Complications may include ear infection, encephalitis, pneumonia, diarrhea or vomiting, bronchitis and thrombocytopenia.
At Risk
In pregnant woman, measles can cause miscarriage, premature labor or babies with low birth weights.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of infectious disease. If you or your loved ones are sick, please see a doctor, not a computer.
Sources
The Immunization Schedule page of the CDC's website provides many printable files of child and adults immunization schedules.
National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus
Bauman, R. (2005) Microbiology. Pearson Banjamin Cummings.
Park Talaro, K. (2008) Foundations in Microbiology. McGraw-Hill.
