What is Rubella?

Rubella is a viral infection also known as German measles. It used to be very common among children, but is much rarer now the MMR vaccine is routine.

What causes Rubella?

Rubella is caused by a virus that is spread by droplets inhaled into the respiratory tract. It causes a mild illness in children, but if a woman contracts rubella during pregnancy it can endanger her unborn child.

What are the symptoms of Rubella?

The incubation period (from exposure to onset of symptoms) is 14 to 24 days. There may initially be a mild fever, but the body temperature may be normal and the first symptom to be noticed may be the rash. The rash usually appears on the face and then spreads outwards across the whole body. It is a fine, red rash that doesn't usually itch children, although it may be itchy for adults. It lasts three to five days.

Symptoms also frequently include swollen tender lymph nodes (glands) around a child's neck, armpits and groin, and some children complain of joint pains. Complications are rare, but can include arthritis (inflammation of the joints), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and thrombocytopenia (a problem with platelets in the blood, which are the tiny cells involved in clotting).

How is Rubella diagnosed and treated?

Call your doctor if you suspect your child might be suffering from rubella, but don't take the child to the surgery because they might come in to contact with pregnant women and put them at risk. Rubella can be confirmed with a simple blood test, especially if there's a risk that a pregnant woman may have been exposed. Rubella is infectious from seven days before the rash has appeared until about four days after.

Give the child pain- and fever-relieving syrup and plenty of fluids, and keep them away from pregnant women.

Further help

Children usually recover rapidly from rubella and then have immunity for the rest of their life. Get urgent medical advice if your child develops abnormal symptoms, especially a dark red rash that doesn't blanche when pressed (this may indicate thrombocytopenia and clotting problems that need specific treatment). Rubella can be prevented with a vaccination, which most children receive as part of the MMR vaccine.

See the parents guide giving answers to common immunisation questions.