Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is a reportable disease in Oklahoma.  Rubella is caused by the rubella virus.  Because of high vaccination rates, rubella is rare in the United States. However, outbreaks continue to occur in unvaccinated groups, and anyone who has not received the vaccine is at risk.

Rubella is a mild illness that may cause few or no symptoms. If a person has symptoms, they usually appear within 16 to 18 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include a rash, slight fever, joint aches, headache, discomfort, runny nose, and reddened eyes.  The rash usually appears as raised or flat red dots and lasts for approximately three days. If you think you have symptoms of rubella, contact your health care provider.

Most persons infected with rubella will experience no complications associated with the disease. However, it can be very dangerous to the fetus of a pregnant woman. Rubella can cause babies to be born with defects such as blindness, hearing difficulties, heart problems, mental retardation, or the pregnancy can end in miscarriage. These conditions are referred to as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Rubella is passed from person-to-person through contact with infected nose and throat secretions or exposure to a cough or sneeze.  People infected with the virus can spread it to others for about seven days before to seven days after rash onset. Infants infected with congenital rubella syndrome can spread the virus for months after birth.

There is no treatment for rubella, however health care providers may treat the symptoms of rubella with rest and plenty of fluids.  It is recommended that all women be tested for immunity to rubella before they become pregnant so they may become vaccinated if necessary. Vaccination will prevent rubella in women so their future children will be protected from congenital rubella syndrome.

Women who missed being tested prior to pregnancy are routinely tested during an early prenatal visit. If a pregnant woman is not immune, she should avoid close contact with persons who have symptoms suggestive of rubella. There is no effective treatment for rubella during pregnancy, nor is there an effective way to prevent rubella in an unvaccinated woman exposed to the illness. Pregnant women who are not immune should be vaccinated after delivery. The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, and a woman should wait at least four weeks after vaccination before she attempts to conceive.

The best prevention against Rubella is the vaccine.  The vaccine is usually given in combination with measles and mumps (MMR) vaccine.  The MMR is safe and effective in preventing rubella. However, like other medicines, it can cause side effects in some persons. Children are recommended to receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose prior to school entry at four to six years of age.

ADS Resources:
Rubella Fact Sheet

Other Resources:
CDC Rubella