Overview
Rubella is usually a mild viral illness in children — light fever, swollen glands behind the ears and a fine rash lasting about three days. Its real danger is to pregnant women: infection in early pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Vaccination protects children and, crucially, future pregnancies.
Symptoms
- Fine pink rash starting on the face and spreading
- Mild fever
- Swollen glands behind the ears and at the back of the neck
- Mild cold-like symptoms
- Joint aches, especially in older girls and women
- Many infections cause hardly any symptoms
Causes & risk factors
- Rubella virus spread by coughs and sneezes
- Lack of vaccination
- Contact with an infected person
Treatment & self-care
Rubella in a child needs only rest, fluids and fever relief — it settles on its own. The priority is keeping the child away from pregnant women until at least a week after the rash appears. Women planning pregnancy can be tested for immunity and vaccinated beforehand.
See a doctor urgently if
- A pregnant woman has been exposed to rubella — contact a doctor promptly
- Rash with high fever or unusual drowsiness
- Bleeding spots in the skin
- Severe joint pains persisting after the rash