Immunization - Preventable Diseases

What is Rubella?

Rubella (German measles) is a mild disease that lasts for a short time. However, if a pregnant woman catches the disease, rubella is very dangerous to her unborn baby. Babies born with rubella can have heart disease, be blind or deaf, or have learning problems. The disease is easily passed from person to person by sneezing, coughing or close contact.

People who catch rubella can have a mild fever, swollen glands in the neck, a rash that lasts up to three days, and soreness or swelling in the joints. This soreness or swelling usually lasts for a week or two. In rare cases it may last for months or years, or may come and go. The pain and swelling is more likely to occur in women.

Last Updated: 5/5/00

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