I was watching Rated K where they featured a 9 year old kid who has no limbs (he's got only 1 arm) who was born with that condition because her mother caught the Rubella virus during her pregnancy. What touched my heart was when his father recounted that there are times that he talks about his condition, and ask this question to his father, "Pa, will my limbs grow when I grow up?". This question was saddening, so innocent and heartbreaking.
What is German Measles?
What is German Measles?
Rubella — commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles — is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. It is caused by the rubella virus (not the same virus that causes measles), which is usually transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that others breathe in. It can also pass through a pregnant woman's bloodstream to infect her unborn child. As this is a generally mild disease in children, the primary medical danger of rubella is the infection of pregnant women, which may cause congenital rubella syndrome in developing babies.
Before a vaccine against rubella became available in 1969, rubella epidemics occurred every 6 to 9 years. Kids ages 5 to 9 were primarily affected, and many cases of congenital rubella occurred as well. Now, due to immunization of children, there are much fewer cases of rubella and congenital rubella.
Most rubella infections today appear in young, non-immunized adults rather than children. In fact, experts estimate that 10% of young adults are currently susceptible to rubella, which could pose a danger to any children they might have someday.
As I kept reading the facts, I really am thankful that I did not acquire this kind of virus while I was conceiving. For a full information about this go to Kidshealth.