Definition
Rubella is an upper respiratory infection most known for its red rash.
Rubella Rash |
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Causes
It is caused by a virus. It is spread from person to person through tiny droplets in the air.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Never having rubella before
- No history of a vaccination to prevent rubella
Symptoms
Many people do not have symptoms. They are usually mild in those who do, such as:
- Red, spotty rash all over the body which starts on the face 14 to 18 days after being around the virus
- Feeling tired
- Swollen glands
- Reddened face
- Red throat that is not sore
- Fever
- Headache
- Achy joints and arthritis, common in adults and may last for a month or more
Lung problems and fatigue are first, followed by the rash.
A pregnant woman who has rubella in the first 3 months of her pregnancy may have a miscarriage or baby that is stillborn. Or they may be born with severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome .
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will be done.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov
Immunization Action Coalition http://www.immunize.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References
Rubella. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rubella. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Rubella. Red Book: 2012 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. In: Pickering LK, ed. 29th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2012:629-634.
Rubella (German measles). Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/german%5Fmeasles.html. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Rubella (German measles or three-day measles). New York State Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/rubella/fact%5Fsheet.htm. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Rubella (German measles, three-day measles). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/rubella. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Woo EJ, Winiecki SK, et al. Adverse events after MMR or MMRV vaccine in infants under 9 months old. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2016 May 10.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 05/04/2021