my baby has possible rubella, worried about preg friend!!

[ninaandbean]

hello - just need reassuring a bit. DS has probable Rubella. He's fine, so I'm not worried about him, he's had a few fractious/clingy days, and been very sicky (5 weeks old) and has a rather fetching rash all over, but I know it's not too dangerous to him. I had it several times as a child and didn't build up immunity right away - it's a virus and can lay dormant as I understand it - but I haven't had it myself for years. He's getting better and it's mostly the rash that's left now.

However, I didn't realise that it was likely to be Rubella until today, when I got more concerned about the rash spreading over his torso/arms etc. His sicky/upset days were Thurs/Fri before the rash set in. Apparently this is normal for Rubella and very typical progression.

The thing is, my friends husband spent Friday eve with us, and cuddled DS while he was crying etc quite a bit - his wife (who wasn't there and hasn't touched DS while he's been poorly herself) is 10 weeks pg - and I'm a bit worried her hubby may have picked it up, and will pass it on to her as it could cause her problems in her pregnancy :( I'd feel terrible if that were the case. My mum thinks it's unlikely, but we've cancelled seeing them again until DS's got the all clear, and I told them he has it. Should I be worried? Is it likely to pass on that easily?? Feeling v anxious that we could have made her ill.

[bubbleymummy]

I think your mum is right - it's very unlikely that she will catch it without coming into contact with your son herself AND she will probably be immune to it already. Have you let her know?

[TondelayoSchwarzkopf]

Sorry about your poor DS. Hope he feels better soon. Please let your friend know as she will need to have her immunity tested. As bubbly mummy says - very unlikely but she should know. It is not your fault.

NB: I was exposed to Parvo Virus in early pregnancy and although it was hard for my colleague to tell me - it was as well she did so it could be checked out.

[ninaandbean]

yes I rang her today as soon as we found out. I'd have wanted to know if that had happened when I was PG so I wouldn't not tell her - it's not fair to keep her in the dark, however low the risk. I didn't ask if both she and her DH have had the MMR but I'd imagine they both have, thinking about it, I'll give her another ring tomorrow and check...