Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella — commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles — is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. It is caused by the rubella virus (not the same virus that causes measles), which is usually transmitted by droplets from the nose or throat that others breathe in. It can also pass through a pregnant woman's bloodstream to infect her unborn child. As this is a generally mild disease in children, the primary medical danger of rubella is the infection of pregnant women, which may cause congenital rubella syndrome in developing babies.

Before a fever (99–100? Fahrenheit, or 37.2–37.8? Celsius) and swollen, tender lymph nodes, usually in the back of the neck or behind the ears. A rash then appears that begins on the face and spreads downward. As it spreads down the body, it usually clears on the face. This rash is often the first sign of illness that a parent notices.

The rubella rash can look like many other viral rashes. It appears as either pink or light red spots, which may merge to form evenly colored patches. The rash can itch and lasts up to 3 days. As the rash clears, the affected skin occasionally sheds in very fine flakes.

Other symptoms of rubella, which are more common in teens and adults, may include: headache; loss of appetite; mild measles-Reye syndrome, which can lead to liver failure and death.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor if your child develops a fever of 102? Fahrenheit (38.9? Celsius) or above (in a child younger than 6 months, call for a fever above 100.4? Fahrenheit, or 38? Celsius), or if your child appears to be getting sicker than the mild course of symptoms described above.

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