About rubella or German measles

Rubella or German measles is caused by rubella virus. This virus spreads through personal contact, coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of rubella

The rubella virus usually infects children 14-21 days before any symptoms appear.

Early rubella symptoms look like the symptoms of a mild cold. They can include fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands in the neck.

After 2-3 days, a rash appears. It has pale pink spots that turn white when you press them. The rash starts on the face and spreads to the chest, stomach and back. Gradually these spots merge to form patches. The rash lasts 3-5 days before going away.

Children with rubella are infectious for five days before and at least four days after the rash appears.

Risks of Rubella Infection

Rubella is usually a mild illness in children that goes on its own.

The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause a pregnant woman’s developing baby. If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella virus she can have a miscarriage, or her baby can die just after birth. Also, she can pass the virus to her developing baby who can develop serious birth defects such as:

• heart problems,
• loss of hearing and eyesight,
• intellectual disability, and
• liver or spleen damage.

Serious birth defects are more common if a woman is infected early in her pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. These severe birth defects are known as congenital rubella syndrome.

Does my child need to see a doctor about rubella?

Yes. You should speak to your doctor if you’re worried your child has rubella.

Children who have a rubella infection must be kept away from pregnant women. If you’re pregnant and think you’ve come into contact with rubella, talk to your doctor, obstetrician or midwife.

Treatment for rubella

There is no medication to treat rubella, but there are things you can do to ease your child’s symptoms:

• Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to help lower his fever and reduce discomfort.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and get lots of rest.

Children who have rubella should not go to child care, preschool or school until your doctor says they’re OK to go.

Prevention of rubella

The best way to avoid rubella, and especially congenital rubella syndrome, is to have your child immunised.

Rubella vaccine is given in 2 doses as part of the MMR vaccine, which protects your child from measles, mumps and rubella.

Some parents are worried that the MMR vaccine is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There’s no scientific evidence that vaccines are linked to the development of ASD. If you have any concerns about the MMR vaccine, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.