Definition

Rubella is an upper respiratory infection most known for its red rash.

Causes

Rubella is caused by a virus. The virus is passed from person to person through tiny droplets in the air.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of rubella include:

• Never having the condition
• Never receiving an immunization for rubella

Symptoms

Many people with rubella do not have symptoms. In those who do have them, symptoms are usually mild and include:

• Red, spotty rash all over the body
• Fatigue, low energy, and discomfort
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Flushed face
• Red throat that is not sore
• Fever
• Headache
• Achy joints and arthritis, especially in adults

Upper respiratory symptoms and fatigue occur first, followed by the rash.

Babies whose mothers have rubella during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can be born with severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause:

• Intellectual disability and/or behavior problems
• Hearing problems
• Vision abnormalities, blindness, and/or cataracts
• Heart defects
• Increased risk of diabetes throughout early life
• Miscarriage or stillbirth

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Rubella is confirmed by blood tests.

Treatment

There is no treatment for rubella. To help make you more comfortable, your doctor may advise acetaminophen.

Prevention

The rubella vaccine is often given as a combination vaccine with:

• Measles and mumps vaccine (MMR)
• Measles, mumps, and varicella vaccine (MMRV)

The regular schedule for giving the vaccine is at age 12-15 months and again at age 4-6 years of age. If you or your child has never been vaccinated against rubella, talk to the doctor.

Women who are not sure if they have been vaccinated should be tested. This is important if they are in occupations with high risk of exposure to rubella, such as:

• Healthcare workers
• Teachers
• Childcare workers

Immunization Action Coalition http://www.immunize.org

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Rubella. World Health Organization website. Available at:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs367/en
Updated November 2014. Accessed June 10, 2015.

Rubella (German measles, three-day measles). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/rubella
Updated May 4, 2015. Accessed June 10, 2015.

Rubella (German measles). Nemours Kids Health website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/german_measles.html
Updated January 2015. Accessed June 10, 2015.

Rubella (German measles or three-day measles). New York State Department of Health website. Available at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/rubella/fact_sheet.htm
Updated January 2012. Accessed June 10, 2015.