What is Rubella and why is it dangerous?
Medically Reviewed by Dr Richard Bennett
Last updated on 11.06.2024
What is Rubella?
Rubella (sometimes called German Measles) is a viral infection. It used to be very common, but routine vaccination has reduced cases dramatically in Australia. In 2018 the World Health Organisation announced that Australia had eliminated Rubella. However, it is still possible for outbreaks to happen, as people travel here from other regions where Rubella is still common.
Why is Rubella dangerous?
Rubella infection is relatively mild for most people. However, if a woman gets Rubella during pregnancy, if can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects in the developing foetus.
What happens if you get Rubella in pregnancy?
- If a pregnant woman catches Rubella in the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, there is a 90% chance of miscarriage or serious birth defects in the foetus, including blindness, deafness, brain damage, heart abnormalities and learning disabilities
- The risk of the foetus being affected falls to about 20% at 16 weeks
- After 20 weeks pregnancy, infection is unlikely to cause any problems
- All pregnant women should be tested for Rubella immunity in early pregnancy (if they have not already checked before conception).
- MMR vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, but it can be administered after the baby is born, to protect for future pregnancies.
- Any woman with symptoms of Rubella or exposed to a possible case of Rubella during pregnancy should be assessed by a doctor. Rubella re-infection without symptoms can occur in women who have had previous infection or vaccination, though damage to the foetus is very rare in these cases.
How is Rubella spread?
- When an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets enter the air and can be breathed in or swallowed by other people.
- Rubella can also be spread if you touch a surface or object that an infected person has contaminated, and then touch your mouth or nose.
- It can take 2-3 weeks for symptoms to appear following exposure to an infected person.
What are the symptoms of Rubella?
Typical symptoms of Rubella include:
- Fever
- Runny or blocked nose
- Headache
- A fine, pink rash starts on the face and spreads to the chest, tummy and back, then the arms and legs, before disappearing in the same order.
- Sore eyes
- Joint pains
- Swollen tender glands- typically around the neck and behind the ears.
However, about half of people with Rubella get no obvious symptoms, i.e. it can be a silent infection. Rubella symptoms tend to be worse in adults (particularly the joint pains).
Are there any other serious complications of Rubella?
For most people, Rubella is a mild illness. However, less commonly complications can occur, such as middle ear infections and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
How is Rubella diagnosed?
Rubella can be hard to diagnose, as the symptoms can be very mild, and the rash can look like other viral rashes. If your doctor suspects Rubella on the basis of your symptoms, they can arrange a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
How long is Rubella contagious?
Rubella is contagious for about a week before the rash appears (so a person can spread it before they know they have it). The contagious period lasts for about 4 days after the rash appears.
How can you prevent Rubella?
Vaccination against Rubella is part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule in Australia. It is included in the MMR vaccine at 12 months and again in the MMRV vaccine at 18 months.
Rubella vaccination is particularly important for certain high risk groups including-
- travellers to and from areas where rubella is common
- childcare workers
- healthcare workers
If a woman is planning a pregnancy she can ask her doctor about having a blood test to check her immunity. If found to be non-immune, vaccination can be arranged. Pregnancy should be avoided for a month after having the MMR vaccine.
Is there any treatment for Rubella?
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment (which is why prevention with vaccination is important). Fluids, pain relief and rest are usually recommended.
What should you do if you’re worried about Rubella?
If you are concerned about Rubella (particularly if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy), you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
Further Patient Resources
What is a hysterectomy and when is it needed?
What is a hysterectomy and when is it needed? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus (womb), usually performed by a gynaecologist. It is commonly [...]
Eyelid cosmetic surgery
Is Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery Right for You? Are your eyelids feeling heavy? Do they affect your vision, making everything blurry or giving you a sense of constant fatigue? Do [...]
How to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment
How to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment Have you had a bad experience with doctors? Are you nervous about your next doctor’s appointment? Whether you are [...]
