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Rubella - Overview

Alternative Names

Three day measles; German measles

Definition of Rubella:

Rubella, also known as the German measles, is an infection in which there is a rash on the skin.

See also: Congenital rubella -- when a pregnant woman is infected with rubella and passes it to her baby while still in the womb.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Rubella is caused by a virus that is spread through the air or by close contact.

A person with rubella may spread the disease to others from 1 week before the rash begins, until 1 - 2 weeks after the rash disappears.

Because the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to most children, rubella is much less common now. Almost everyone who receives the vaccine has immunity to rubella. Immunity means that your body has built a defense to the rubella virus.

In some adults, the vaccine may wear off and not fully protect them. Women who may become pregnant and other adults may receive a booster shot.

Children and adults who were never vaccinated against rubella may still get this infection.

Rubella on an infant's back

Rubella

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 1/24/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Weisberg SS. Vaccine preventable diseases: current perspectives in historical context. Dis Mon. 2007;53:467-528.

2011 immunization schedules for children 0 to 18 years of age. ACIP meeting, October 28, 2010.

Recommended adult immunization schedule United States. 2011 Proposed Revisions. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. October 28, 2010.

Coonrod DV, Jack BW, Boggess KA. The clinical content of preconception care: immunizations as part of preconception care. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199(6 Suppl 2):S290-S295.

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