Difference between Measles and Rubella

Measles is a virus-infected disease. It begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, red, swollen eyes, cough, and fever. 2 to 4 days later, a rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It can cause major consequences, particularly in people who have weakened immune systems.

Rubella is a virus-borne ailment. In infants and toddlers, it causes a moderate fever and rash. Rubella infection in pregnant women increases the risk of having babies with birth abnormalities.

Difference between Measles and Rubella

1. Rubella is a much less contagious and serious illness than measles.
2. In measles, there is a prodromal stage, however in Rubella, there is none.
3. Measles takes 1 to 2 weeks to incubate, while rubella takes 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Measles symptoms can last up to 10 days, while rubella symptoms normally last no more than 5 days.
5. Rubella causes swollen lymph nodes almost usually, but not always with measles.
6. Measles symptoms include Koplik spots, while rubella symptoms include Forschheimer spots.
7. Photophobia is a symptom of measles, but not of rubella.
8. Measles fever can reach 40°C, although rubella fever is usually less than 38.3°C.
9. The measles rash is made up of blotches that endure a long time, whereas the rubella rash is made up of spots that dissipate quickly.

Causes and Symptoms of Measles

Causes: 

• When you cough, sneeze, or talk, contaminated droplets are disseminated through the air
• Kissing someone who has the measles is not a good idea
• Sharing drinks or food with someone who has the measles is not a good idea
• Greeting someone with measles by shaking hands, holding hands, or hugging them
• Pregnant women to their kids – either during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding

Symptoms: 

• A high temperature is seen
• Tiredness
• A red rash that begins at the top of the head and progresses downward
• Have a sore throat
• In the mouth, there are white dots
• Muscle ache

Causes and Symptoms of Rubella 

Cause:

Rubella is caused by a virus that can be transmitted from one person to another. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, the virus might spread. Infection can be conveyed through direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as mucus. It can also be passed from pregnant women to their unborn children through the bloodstream.

Rubella is rare in many countries since most children are immunised against it at an early age. The virus is still active in several regions of the world. This is important to think about before travelling abroad, especially if you’re expecting a child.

Symptoms:

• Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or less
• Headache
• Nose congestion or runny nose
• Eyes that are inflamed and red
• Lymph nodes near the base of the skull, the back of the neck, and behind the ears are enlarged and sensitive
• A fine, pink rash that starts on the face and spreads fast to the trunk, arms, and legs before receding in the same order
• Aches and pains in the joints, especially in young women

Conclusion

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is one of the top causes of childhood death around the world. When infected persons sneeze or cough, droplets carry the virus from person to person. High fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth are common symptoms 10–12 days after infection. A rash appears on the face and neck a few days later, and it gradually spreads lower. Blindness, encephalitis (a brain illness that causes swelling), severe diarrhoea, and pneumonia are among the most serious effects of measles.

Rubella is normally mild in childhood and adolescence, but it can cause serious and even deadly difficulties for the fetus if an unprotected mother contracts it during her early pregnancy. Miscarriage or congenital problems in the unborn child, such as hearing loss, eye and heart defects, and other lifelong disabilities like autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction, can all be caused by an infection during pregnancy. Rubella is spread through the air by droplets from infected people’s noses, mouths, and throats.