Rubella is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella, she can have a miscarriage or her baby could die just after birth. Also, she can pass the disease to her developing baby who can develop serious birth defects. Make sure you and your child are protected from rubella by getting vaccinated on schedule. Rubella, sometimes called “German measles,” is a disease caused by a virus. The infection is usually mild with fever and a rash.

HOW IS RUBELLA SPREAD?

Rubella spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and touches objects or surfaces with unwashed hands.

The disease is most contagious when the infected person has a rash. But it can spread up to 7 days before the rash appears and up to 7 days after. People without symptoms can still spread rubella.

Rubella is rare in the United States but can be brought to the U.S. by travelers.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

In children, rubella usually causes the following symptoms that last 2 or 3 days:

• Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Low fever (less than 101 degrees)

Before the rash appears, older children and adults may also have:

• Swollen glands
• Cough, runny nose, and redness or swelling of the white of the eye
• Aching joints (especially in young women)

About half of the people who get rubella do not have symptoms.

WHEN IS THE VACCINE GIVEN?

CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE SHOT?

Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that do occur are usually very mild, and may include:

• Fever
• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (mostly in teens and adults)
• Mild rash

More serious side effects are rare. These may include high fever that could cause a seizure.