Which infection is also known as German measles?

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025

Explanation

Rubella is a viral infection commonly known by the name German measles.
It is generally a mild illness characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), and a maculopapular rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards.
The infection is of major concern during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta and lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in the fetus, causing defects like deafness, cataracts, and heart problems.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Mumps, caused by the mumps virus, is primarily known for causing painful swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands, a condition called parotitis.
Option B: Roseola infantum, also known as sixth disease, is caused by a human herpesvirus. It typically presents with a high fever for several days, which is then followed by a distinct rash after the fever subsides.
Option C: Rubeola is the scientific name for measles, which is a more severe viral illness than rubella. It is characterized by high fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and the pathognomonic Koplik's spots inside the mouth.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Synonyms and differential diagnosis of common viral exanthems helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is a cornerstone of childhood immunization programs, providing effective prevention against all three diseases and their complications.
Screening for rubella immunity is a standard part of antenatal care for pregnant women to identify those who are non-immune and at risk, and to counsel them on avoiding exposure.
What if? If a non-immune pregnant woman is exposed to rubella in her first trimester, the risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome is extremely high (up to 90%). Management involves counseling on the significant risks to the fetus, and termination of pregnancy may be discussed as an option.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'German measles'.
Next, systematically review each option and recall its common or alternative name.
Evaluate Option A: Mumps is associated with parotitis (swollen salivary glands).
Evaluate Option B: Roseola is also known as 'sixth disease'.
Evaluate Option C: Rubeola is the scientific name for 'measles'. This is a common point of confusion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Synonyms and differential diagnosis of common viral exanthems.
Stem keywords: infection, German measles
Lead-in keywords: Which

Question ID

QfD5UspwocI1IZsWO_CsPv

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 154-156, 155-157

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2036-2038

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