Summary
Rubella and rubeola were once commonly thought of as childhood diseases, but these viral infections pose a threat to children and adults alike. These illnesses had been largely brought under control in developed nations through widespread vaccinations, but in recent years there have been outbreaks due to an increased number of people refusing vaccination and parents refusing to vaccinate their children. Although both diseases are known commonly as the measles, the viruses that cause them are not closely related. "German measles" (rubella) is caused by rubivirus, and the red measles (rubeola) is caused by morbilivirus. Rubella and Rubeola, Second Edition takes a look at the history, pathology, potential complications, prevention, and treatment of these diseases.
Chapters include:
- An Ancient Plague
- Viral Diseases
- Rubeola: The Red Measles
- Rubella: The "German Measles"
- Epidemiology
- Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
- Future Directions in Controlling Viral Diseases.
About the Author(s)
Dr. Brian Shmaefsky is a professor of environmental science at Lone Star College-Kingwood near Houston, Texas, where he also chairs the Institutional Review Board for the college system. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology at Brooklyn College in New York and completed his graduate studies at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and the University of Illinois. His research emphasis is in environmental physiology. Dr. Shmaefsky has many publications on science education, some appearing in American Biology Teacher and the Journal of College Science Teaching. He also has written books and technical articles on biotechnology and human diseases.