Rubella is an infection caused by a virus. Rubella is sometimes called “German measles,” but it is caused by a different virus than measles. It is spread by mucus or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms
Children with rubella usually break out in a rash, which starts on the face and moves down the body. Older children and adults usually suffer first from a fever, swollen glands, and upper respiratory infection before they develop a rash. Rubella infection in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to fetal death, premature delivery and serious birth defects. Rubella is very dangerous for developing babies and can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS is a condition that affects a developing baby in the womb when the mother is infected with the rubella virus. CRS can affect almost everything in the developing baby's body and cause complications after birth. There is no cure for CRS.
Prevention
Rubella can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get 2 doses of MMR vaccine to protect against rubella. Teens and adults should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations.
Treatment
There is no specific medicine to treat rubella or make the disease go away faster. In many cases, symptoms are mild. For others, symptoms can be managed with bed rest and medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen.
If you are concerned about your symptoms or your child's symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Resources
- Rubella (German Measles) Fact Sheet (PDF) | (PDF) عربي | Français (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | 中国人 (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF)
- Congenital Rubella Syndrome Fact Sheet (PDF)
- U.S. CDC Rubella
- MMR Vaccine VIS
- Maine Immunization Program
- Maine Compliance and Immunization Resources
You can also call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.