Rubella (German Measles, Three-Day Measles)

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella usually have a mild illness, with symptoms that can include a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in a developing baby if a woman is infected while she is pregnant. The best protection against rubella is MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.

travel password

Rubella is still common in other countries. Make sure you and your child are vaccinated before you travel abroad.

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The best protection against rubella is the MMR (measles-mumps-and rubella) vaccine. Most people who get MMR vaccine will be protected against rubella.

Three pregnant women

Pregnant women who get rubella can have a miscarriage. Also, their babies can have birth defects, such as

  • heart problems
  • loss of hearing or eyesight
  • intellectual disabilities
  • liver or spleen damage