Rubella (German measles): symptoms, pregnancy risks and vaccination

The NHS says the main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body. The rash usually lasts for a few days. It looks red or pink on white skin, and can be harder to see on brown or black skin but might feel rough or bumpy. Some people with rubella do not get a rash at all.

NHS inform says the symptoms usually only last a few days, although the glands may stay swollen for several weeks.

• A red-pink spotty rash (NHS and NHS inform).

• Swollen glands in the neck or behind the ears.

• A high temperature and cold-like symptoms such as cough, sneezing and runny nose.

• Headaches, a sore throat and sore, red eyes.

• Aching fingers, wrists or knees, especially in adults.

Rubella, also called German measles, is a rare viral infection. NHS inform says it is usually a mild condition that gets better without treatment in 7 to 10 days. It is not the same illness as measles, although the MMR vaccine protects against both.

NHS inform says rubella is rare in the UK now, and that most cases occur in people who came to the UK from countries that do not offer routine immunisation against rubella. The NHS says it is very unlikely to be rubella if you have had both doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine, or you have had rubella before.

Yes. The NHS says rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes. NHS inform explains that the virus is in tiny droplets from the nose and mouth, so you can catch it by breathing them in, or by touching a surface where droplets have settled and then touching your nose or mouth. It can take 2 to 3 weeks for symptoms to develop.

The NHS says rubella is very rare in pregnancy, but if you get it when you are pregnant it could harm your baby, causing miscarriage or serious problems after birth such as problems with sight, hearing, heart or brain. The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy.

NHS inform says rubella is usually only serious if caught in the first 20 weeks. The birth defects caused by the virus are known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), and the earlier in pregnancy, the greater the risk. Both the NHS and NHS inform say there is not thought to be a risk to the baby if rubella is caught after week 20. NHS inform says CRS is now very rare in the UK since the MMR vaccine was introduced, and that no treatment is known to be effective in preventing it.

The NHS says to call your midwife, maternity unit or GP immediately if you are pregnant and have a new rash, or you have been in close contact with someone who has rubella. NHS inform says to phone 111 if your GP practice is closed.

• Eye problems such as cataracts.

• Deafness.

• Heart abnormalities.

• Brain damage.

There is no specific treatment. The NHS says rubella usually gets better in about a week, and that after advice from a GP you or your child should get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you are uncomfortable. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

The NHS says to call a GP if you or your child have symptoms of rubella, and to call before you go in because rubella can spread to others. The GP may suggest talking over the phone.

The NHS says the MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent rubella. Both also protect against measles and mumps, and MMRV also protects against chickenpox. The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children who were not vaccinated when younger, but it is not suitable if you are pregnant.

NHS inform says the MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme, and that you can be vaccinated at any age if you have not been fully vaccinated before. The NHS says your GP can vaccinate you for free. If you are not sure whether you or your child have been vaccinated, ask at your GP surgery.

The timing of infection in pregnancy shapes the risk. This is a general guide from the NHS and NHS inform; your midwife or doctor can advise on your own situation.

On the NHS, a GP can assess suspected rubella, advise on staying at home, and vaccinate you for free if you are not protected. Rubella cases are passed on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service, according to NHS inform, and you can opt out. Some private clinics offer MMR vaccination or immunity blood tests, but the NHS offer is free and your GP record should be kept up to date either way.