Rubella Case Confirmed In Tarrant County
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A confirmed case of rubella was identified in the Texas Christian University community today.
The ill student doen't live on campus. TCU is working with Tarrant County Public Health to identify and contact other students who may have been exposed. There are no other reported cases at this time, according to Director of Health Services, Jane Torgerson, M.D.
Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It's transmitted from an infected person through coughing and sneezing. The infection is usually mild, with a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body along with a low fever (less than 101 degrees). Adults also may have swollen glands and cold-like symptoms before the rash appears. Aching joints may occur, especially among young women. The symptoms usually last two or three days. About half the people who get rubella do not have any symptoms. While the disease is often mild in people who are not pregnant, it can be very serious for pregnant women.
Rubella is a vaccine-preventable disease. The vaccine is administered in combination with the mumps and measles vaccines in a two-dose series, and is highly effective in preventing measles and rubella infection. Everyone should have two MMR vaccinations documented in their record. Students who do not have documentation of two MMR vaccinations, need to visit the Student Health Center.
Anyone with questions may contact the TCU Health Center at (817) 257.7940 or click here for more information.
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