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Health Department

09/24/24 Public Health Education Topic: Rubella

Per CDC:

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Rubella is sometimes called “German measles,” but it is caused by a different virus than measles.

The disease is no longer endemic (constantly present) in the United States; but rubella is common in other parts of the world. It can still be brought into the United States by people who get infected in other countries.


Key points

  • Rubella spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and usually causes a rash that first appears on the face.

  • Rubella is very dangerous during pregnancy and for developing babies.

  • The best protection against rubella is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.


Signs and symptoms

Rubella is usually mild, with few noticeable symptoms. For children who do have symptoms, a red rash appearing on the face is typically the first sign.

Most adults who get rubella usually have a mild illness with:

  • Low-grade fever

  • Sore throat

  • A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Up to 70% of women may experience arthritis as a rubella complication; this is rare in children and men.


To learn more visit: About Rubella | Rubella | CDC



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