toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Rubella

Top of the page

Rubella

Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious infection caused by a virus. It usually causes a mild illness with a fine, red rash over most of the body, swollen glands, and low fever.

Rubella is not common in the United States because most children are vaccinated (immunized) against it. Most people who get rubella are young adults who have not been vaccinated. A person can develop immunity to rubella by having the disease or being vaccinated.

Rubella is a mild illness in adults. But if a person gets rubella during pregnancy, the baby is at risk for birth defects, such as heart defects, deafness, and cataracts. The illness can also result in miscarriage or stillbirth. The earlier the infection occurs in a pregnancy, the greater the risk that the baby will have severe defects. People who are not immune to rubella should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Your Partner in Health.

People are at the heart of great health care. That's why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. 


Together with our community partners and patients, we're building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222