Rubella
Rubella, also called German measles, is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads from person to person. Thanks to vaccines, rubella has been mostly gone from the U.S. since 2004. However, it can still come back if people get infected in other countries, return to the U.S. and spread it to people who are not vaccinated.
Rubella is usually mild in children and adults. However, it is very dangerous during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. If a pregnant person gets rubella, it can cause serious problems for their baby, including birth defects, or even miscarriage.
Symptoms & How It Spreads
Rubella often starts with a red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts about 3 days. Other symptoms may include:
Some people with rubella don’t feel sick at all, but they can still spread the virus.
Rubella spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can spread rubella a week before the rash appears and up to 7 days after.
Rubella is dangerous during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, her baby could be born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS birth defects can include:
Babies with CRS can spread rubella to others for up to 1 year.
Vaccine Recommendations
The best way to prevent rubella is to get the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. There is also an MMRV vaccine that includes protection against chickenpox
(varicella).
Children should get two doses:
Teens and adults who
haven’t been vaccinated should also get the MMR vaccine.
Pregnant people should not get the MMR vaccine during pregnancy. If
you’re planning to get pregnant and
haven’t been vaccinated, get the vaccine at least 1 month before becoming pregnant.
Why Vaccination is Important
Rubella infection
can be prevented by vaccination.
Getting vaccinated protects your children, pregnant people, and the community. After 1 dose, about 95% of people are protected. After 2 doses,
almost everyone is protected for life.