Rubella (German measles)
Rubella is a viral infection that usually causes a mild rash and fever but can be serious during pregnancy, as it may lead to congenital rubella syndrome in the unborn baby.
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Rubella (german measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better in about a week, but it can be serious if you get it when you're pregnant.
Symptoms of rubella
The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body.
The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella.
Rubella can also cause:
- aching fingers, wrists or knees
- a high temperature
- coughs
- sneezing and a runny nose
- headaches
- a sore throat
- sore, red eyes
It's very unlikely to be rubella if you have had both doses of the MMR vaccine or had rubella before.
See other rashes in children and babies
Call a GP if:
- you or your child have symptoms of rubella
Rubella can spread to others. It's best to call before you go in. The GP may suggest talking over the phone.
How to look after yourself or your child
Rubella usually gets better in about a week.
After getting advice from a GP, you or your child should:
- get plenty of rest
- drink lots of fluids, like water or squash
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you're uncomfortable – do not give aspirin to children under 16
How to avoid spreading rubella
Rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes.
It’s infectious from 1 week before the symptoms start and for 5 days after the rash first appears.
It can be serious for some people, so you should try to avoid spreading it to others.
Do
- stay off nursery, school, or work for 5 days after the rash appears
- try to avoid close contact with anyone who is pregnant
- wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- use tissues when you cough or sneeze
- throw used tissues in the bin
Consult with a doctor about Rubella (German measles)
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Don’t
- do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
Rubella in pregnancy
Rubella is very rare in pregnancy. But if you get it when you're pregnant, rubella could harm your baby.
It can cause:
- loss of the baby (miscarriage)
- serious problems after the baby is born – such as problems with their sight, hearing, heart, or brain
The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy.
There's not thought to be a risk to your baby if you get rubella after week 20 of your pregnancy.
Call your midwife, maternity unit, or GP immediately if:
You're pregnant and either:
- you have a new rash
- you’ve been in close contact with someone who has rubella
Get vaccinated against rubella
The MMR vaccine can prevent rubella. It also protects you from measles and mumps.
The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Online doctors for Rubella (German measles)
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Rubella (German measles) with a doctor online.
