Rubella (german measles)

Rubella (german measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better in about 1 week. It can be serious if you get it when you're pregnant.

Check if you or your child have rubella

The main symptom of rubella is a red or pink spotty rash.

The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella.

The rash starts behind the ears and spreads to the head, neck and body

The rash can be hard to see on dark skin, but might feel rough or bumpy

You might have lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears

Rubella can also cause:

• aching fingers, wrists or knees
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• coughs
• sneezing and a runny nose
• headaches
• a sore throat
• sore, red eyes

Information:

It's very unlikely to be rubella if you have had both doses of the MMR vaccine or had rubella before.

See other rashes in children and babies

Non-urgent advice:Call a GP if:

• you or your child have symptoms of rubella

Rubella can spread to others. It's best to call before you go in. The GP may suggest talking over the phone.

Urgent advice:Call your midwife, maternity unit or GP immediately if you're pregnant and have either:

• a new rash
• been in close contact with someone who has rubella

Rubella can be serious during pregnancy.

How to look after yourself or your child

Rubella usually gets better in about 1 week.

It can help to:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids, like water or squash
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)

Important

Stay off nursery, school or work for 5 days after the rash appears.

Also try to avoid close contact with pregnant women.

Rubella is infectious from 1 week before the symptoms start and for 4 days after the rash first appears.

How to avoid spreading or catching rubella

Rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes.

To reduce the risk of spreading or catching it:

Do

• wash your hands often with soap and warm water
• use tissues when you cough or sneeze
• throw used tissues in the bin

Don't

• do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding

Rubella in pregnancy

Rubella is very rare in pregnancy. But if you get it when you're pregnant, rubella could harm your baby.

It can cause:

• loss of the baby (miscarriage)
• serious problems after the baby is born – such as problems with their sight, hearing, heart or brain

The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy.

There's not thought to be a risk to your baby if you get rubella after week 20 of your pregnancy.

Get vaccinated against rubella

The MMR vaccine can prevent rubella. It also protects you from measles and mumps.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. Two doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.

Read more about the MMR vaccine.