Rubella Dr Trisha Macnair Commonly referred to as German measles, this childhood illness can cause problems for pregnant women.

In this article

What is Rubella? Symptoms

Causes and risk factors Treatment and recovery

Rubella is a viral infection also known as German measles. It used to be common among children but has become rarer since the introduction of the MMR vaccine.

The incubation period (from exposure to onset of symptoms) is 14 to 24 days. There may be a mild fever initially, but the body temperature can be normal and the first noticeable symptom may be a rash.

The rash usually appears on the face and then spreads across the whole body. It's a fine, red rash that doesn't usually itch in children, but 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 pain.

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 tiny cells involved in clotting).

Call your doctor if you suspect your child might be suffering from rubella. Don't take them to the surgery because they might come in contact with pregnant women. Rubella is infectious from seven days before the rash appears until about four days after.

Rubella can be confirmed with a simple blood test.

Rubella is caused by a virus that's spread by droplets inhaled into the respiratory tract.

It only causes a mild illness in children, but if a woman contracts rubella during pregnancy it can endanger her unborn child.

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

Children usually recover rapidly from rubella and then have immunity for the rest of their lives.

Get urgent medical advice if your child develops abnormal symptoms. Rubella can be prevented with a vaccination, which most children receive as part of the MMR jab.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Orlena Kerek in March 2009