Rubella (German measles)

Overview

Rash starts on the face and spreads down, often with swollen glands behind the ears.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Rash and low fever

Less common

• Swollen glands
• Joint pain

Look up a symptom: Rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body · Swollen glands

When to get medical care

Causes

Rubella virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: coughs or sneezes.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Unvaccinated

Possible complications

• Joint pain: Common in adult women
• Birth defects: If caught in early pregnancy

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood test:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest
• Stay away from pregnant people

Prevention

To lower your risk or catch problems early:

• MMR vaccine

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 4 days after the rash started, or as your health department says.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnant women: Rubella harms the baby.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Mild in children.

Most recover in a week.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Rubella (German measles)