HealthTree Blog

Rubella measles also known as “German measles” or “3-day measles” is a contagious viral infection. It is far less serious than measles in children; however, if a pregnant woman is exposed to them it can infect her unborn child and lead to defects of the heart and eyes, mental retardation, stunted growth and even deafness.

Low grade fever (around 99-100 degrees) and swollen lymph nodes below the ears and behind the neck are usually the first signs of rubella and will last one to two days. A facial rash will then appear and spread downward. As the rash continues to cover the body, the facial rash may disappear. Rubella rash often begins in small spots, which will come together to form larger patches. It can cause itchiness and will usually last about three days (hence the name “3-day measles”).

There is a vaccine available for rubella and is given in combination with vaccines for measles and mumps. It is commonly known as the “MMR vaccine.” It is given between the ages of 12 and 15 months of age and again at age four to six.

Rubella is usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person does not have to have the rash to be considered contagious as the time period ranges from one week before a rash appears until one week after it clears up.

It can take up to three weeks after exposure for a child to come down with rubella. The fever, rash and swollen glands are usually gone in a week’s time. Physicians do not give antibodies for rubella, as it is a viral infection. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given to relief the fever. However, do not give aspirin as this can lead to a serious disease known as “Reyes Syndrome.” A physician should be consulted if the fever is 102 degrees or more in children or 100.4 degrees in infants.