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Rubella (German Measles)
What is Rubella?
What are the symptoms of Rubella?
How do you get Rubella?
When is Rubella contagious?
Is there treatment for Rubella?
Is Rubella dangerous?
How can I protect myself against Rubella?
What should I do if I develop Rubella?
How is Rubella diagnosed?
For further information
What is Rubella?
Rubella, also called German measles, is a very contagious infection that is caused by the rubella virus. It is characterized by a mild fever and frequently a rash.
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What are the symptoms of Rubella?
The most common symptoms include a low-grade fever, rash, headache, malaise, runny nose, joint pain, conjunctivitis (infection in the eyes), and swollen glands. Symptoms can occur anytime from 14 to 21 days after exposure to the rubella virus, however, in most cases symptoms occur 14 to 17 days after exposure. Rubella is usually a mild illness in children; up to half of the infections with rubella occur without a rash. It is important to note that 20 per cent to 50 per cent of rubella infections are asymptomatic.
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How do you get Rubella?
Rubella is spread when a person comes in contact with an infected person. It is spread through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat when an infected person who is coughing, sneezing or talking.
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When is Rubella contagious?
Rubella is highly contagious from seven days before the onset of the rash until at least four days after the onset of rash. As a result, children diagnosed with rubella should be excluded from school or childcare facilities for seven days after the appearance of the rash.
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Is there treatment for Rubella?
Rubella is caused by a virus therefore there is no specific treatment.
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Is Rubella dangerous?
Rubella usually causes only mild illness in children. However, it can have serious consequences for pregnant women. The most serious complication of a rubella infection results form an infection during the first trimester of pregnancy. A pregnant woman who catches rubella during the first five months of pregnancy can pass the disease on to her baby (fetus) while it is the womb. The chances of this happening are very high. In eight of 10 cases where a pregnant woman has rubella, the fetus will get rubella before it is born. Rubella infection can affect all organs in the developing fetus and cause miscarriage, fetal death and congenital anomalies. Up to 90 per cent of infants born to mothers who are infected in the first 11 weeks of gestation will develop a pattern of birth defects called Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CBS).
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How can I protect myself against Rubella?
The best way to protect yourself against Rubella is to receive the rubella vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for measles and mumps and is known as the MMR vaccine. The vaccine provides an immune response for 95 per cent to 100 per cent of individuals aged nine months or older. The vaccine is given to children at the ages of 12 months and again at 18 months.
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What should I do if I develop Rubella?
Consult your health care provider immediately if you believe that you have rubella or have been exposed to rubella.
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How is Rubella diagnosed?
Rubella is diagnosed by obtaining blood work and screening it for rubella antibodies.
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For further information
For further information call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744,ext. 24179, or visit one of the websites listed below:
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