German Measles (Rubella)

healthline.com /health/rubella

Medically Reviewed by Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI on January 6, 2016 Written by The Healthline Editorial
Team
1/6/2016

What Is German Measles?

German measles, also known as rubella, is a viral infection that causes a red rash on the body. Aside from the rash,
people with German measles usually have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. The infection can spread from person
to person through contact with droplets from an infected persons sneeze or cough. This means that you can get
German measles if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has droplets from an infected
person on it. You may also get German measles by sharing food or drinks with someone whos infected.

German measles is rare in the United States. With the introduction of the rubella vaccine in the late 1960s, the
incidence of German measles significantly declined. However, the condition is still common in many other parts of
the world. It mainly affects children, more commonly those between 5 and 9 years old, but it can also occur in
adults.

German measles is typically a mild infection that goes away within one week, even without treatment. However, it
can be a serious condition in pregnant women, as it may cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus. Congenital
rubella syndrome can disrupt the development of the baby and cause serious birth defects, such as heart
abnormalities, deafness, and brain damage. Its important to get treatment right away if youre pregnant and suspect
you have German measles.

Symptoms

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What Are the Symptoms of German Measles?
The symptoms of German measles are often so mild that they're difficult to notice. When symptoms do occur, they
usually develop within two to three weeks after the initial exposure to the virus. They often last about three to seven
days and may include:

pink or red rash that begins on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body
mild fever, usually under 102F
swollen and tender lymph nodes
runny or stuffy nose
headache
muscle pain
inflamed or red eyes

Although these symptoms may not seem serious, you should contact your doctor if you suspect you have German
measles. This is especially important if youre pregnant or believe you may be pregnant.

In rare cases, German measles can lead to ear infections and brain swelling. Call your doctor immediately if you
notice any of the following symptoms during or after a German measles infection:

prolonged headache
earache
stiff neck

Causes

What Causes German Measles?

German measles is caused by the rubella virus. This is a highly contagious virus that can spread through close
contact or through the air. It may pass from person to person through contact with tiny drops of fluid from the nose
and throat when sneezing and coughing. This means that you can get the virus by inhaling the droplets of an
infected person or touching an object contaminated with the droplets. German measles can also be transmitted from
a pregnant woman to her developing baby through the bloodstream.

People who have German measles are most contagious from the week before the rash appears until about two
weeks after the rash goes away. They can spread the virus before they even know that they have it.

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Risk Factors

Who Is at Risk for German Measles?

German measles is extremely rare in the United States, thanks to vaccines that typically provide lifelong immunity to
the rubella virus. Most cases of German measles occur in people who live in countries that don't offer routine
immunization against rubella.

The rubella vaccine is usually given to children when theyre between 12 and 15 months old, and then again when
theyre between ages 4 and 6. This means that infants and young toddlers who havent yet received all vaccines
have a greater risk of getting German measles.
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To avoid complications during pregnancy, many women who become pregnant are given a blood test to confirm
immunity to rubella. Its important to contact your doctor immediately if you've never received the vaccine and think
you might have been exposed to rubella.

German Measles in Pregnant Women

How Does German Measles Affect Pregnant Women?

When a woman contracts German measles during pregnancy, the virus can be passed on to her developing baby
through her bloodstream. This is called congenital rubella syndrome. Congenital rubella syndrome is a serious
health concern, as it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. It can also cause birth defects in babies who are carried
to term, including:

delayed growth
intellectual disabilities
heart defects
deafness
poorly functioning organs

Women of childbearing age should have their immunity to rubella tested before becoming pregnant. If a vaccine is
needed, its important to get it at least 28 days before trying to conceive.

Diagnosis

How Is German Measles Diagnosed?

Since German measles appears similar to other viruses that cause rashes, your doctor will confirm your diagnosis
with a blood test. This can check for the presence of different types of rubella antibodies in your blood. Antibodies
are proteins that recognize and destroy harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria. The test results can
indicate whether you currently have the virus or are immune to it.

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Treatment

How Is German Measles Treated?

Most cases of German measles are treated at home. Your doctor may tell you to rest in bed and to take
acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can help relieve discomfort from fever and aches. They may also recommend that
you stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Pregnant women may be treated with antibodies called hyperimmune globulin that can fight off the virus. This can
help reduce your symptoms. However, theres still a chance that your baby will develop congenital rubella
syndrome. Babies who are born with congenital rubella will require treatment from a team of specialists. Talk to your
doctor if youre concerned about passing German measles on to your baby.

Prevention

How Can I Prevent German Measles?

For most people, vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent German measles. The rubella vaccine is
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typically combined with vaccines for the measles and mumps as well as varicella, the virus that causes chicken pox.

These vaccines are usually given to children who are between 12 and 15 months old. A booster shot will be needed
again when children are between ages 4 and 6. Since the vaccines contain small doses of the virus, mild fevers and
rashes may occur.

If you dont know whether youve been vaccinated for German measles, its important to have your immunity tested,
especially if you:

are a woman of childbearing age and arent pregnant

attend an educational facility
work in a medical facility or school
plan to travel to a country that doesnt offer immunization against rubella

While the rubella vaccine usually isnt harmful, the virus in the shot could cause adverse reactions in some people.
You shouldnt be vaccinated if you have a weak immune system due to another illness, are pregnant, or plan to
become pregnant within the next month.

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