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Rubella

Rubella is spread by coughing and sneezing. It may go undiagnosed because of its mild symptoms. It causes a slight fever and a rash on the face and neck. The rash and a "flush" appear first on the face, then spread quickly to the trunk, upper arms, and thighs. The rash then moves to the forearms, hands, and feet. Teenagers and adults may have painful or swollen joints. Although it seldom poses a major risk to children, rubella does put unborn infants at considerable risk. Pregnant women who get rubella can miscarry or have babies with severe birth defects.

Symptoms of rubella are:

  • Swollen, tender glands at the back of the neck and behind the ears.
  • A mild fever.
  • A rash.

Scientific Term:

Rubella

Generic Term:

  • Rubella
  • German Measles

Age Groups at Risk:

All

Fact Sheets:

Vaccine Info:

  • The rubella vaccine is a live weakened virus. Although it is available as a single preparation, it is recommended that in most cases, rubella vaccine be given as part of the MMR vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella). Rubella vaccination is particularly important for non-immune women who may become pregnant because of the risk for serious birth defects if they get the disease during pregnancy.

Vaccine Information Statements:

Related Information: