Public Health

What is rubella? Rubella is a viral disease. The illness is usually mild, but if it occurs during the first three months of pregnancy; it can cause serious defects in the unborn child. Rubella occurs more often in the spring and winter months.

Who gets rubella and how is it spread? Anyone who has not previously had rubella or who has not received the vaccine can get rubella. Permanent immunity is acquired after getting the disease. Rubella is spread through direct contact or exposure to airborne droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. A person is contagious from seven days before to seven days after the onset of rash.

What are the symptoms of rubella and when do they start? Rubella symptoms include rash, low-grade fever (usually less than 101 degree F), body and joint aches, headache, runny nose, and reddened painful eyes. Painful swelling of the lymph nodes at the back of the neck often proceeds development of the skin rash. The rash, which lasts for three days or less, usually starts on the face and spreads from head to foot. Many persons with rubella may have few or no symptoms and up to 50% of individuals who get the disease do not develop a rash. The symptoms usually start 16 to 18 days following exposure to the rubella virus, but the onset can range from 14 to 23 days.

Is there a vaccine for rubella? Yes. Rubella vaccine is usually given in a combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine also known as MMR. The shot is given at or shortly after 12 months of age. Being vaccinated against rubella is the best prevention method. Efforts should be made to identify and vaccinate susceptible adolescents and adults, particularly women of childbearing age who are not pregnant. Persons with active rubella disease should remain isolated for the duration of the contagious period.

Is rubella dangerous? Rubella disease is especially serious if a woman becomes infected in the first three months of pregnancy because it can cause complications in the fetus. Some potential problems that may occur in the fetus include deafness, cataracts (eye problems), heart defects, liver and spleen damage, mental retardation, or death. Abnormalities in the fetus caused by rubella infection are called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS occurs in approximately one out of four fetuses infected during the first trimester of pregnancy A woman who is not sure of her immune status should consult her doctor.

Wyoming Department of Health
2300 Capitol Ave.
Cheyenne WY 82002
(307) 777-7172

(Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)