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Rubella (german measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better in about a week, but it can be serious if you get it when you're pregnant.
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 takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella.
The rash looks red or pink on white skin.
It can be harder to see on brown or black skin, but might feel rough or bumpy.
You might also have lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears.
Rubella can also cause:
It's very unlikely to be rubella if you have had both doses of the MMR vaccine or had rubella before.
Rubella can spread to others. It's best to call before you go in. The GP may suggest talking over the phone.
Rubella usually gets better in about a week.
After getting advice from a GP, you or your child should:
Rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes.
It’s infectious from 1 week before the symptoms start and for 5 days after the rash first appears.
It can be serious for some people, so you should try to avoid spreading it to others.
stay off nursery, school, or work for 5 days after the rash appears
try to avoid close contact with anyone who is pregnant
wash your hands often with soap and warm water
use tissues when you cough or sneeze
throw used tissues in the bin
do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
Rubella is very rare in pregnancy. But if you get it when you're pregnant, rubella could harm your baby.
It can cause:
The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy.
There's not thought to be a risk to your baby if you get rubella after week 20 of your pregnancy.
You're pregnant and either:
The MMR vaccine can prevent rubella. It also protects you from measles and mumps.
The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.
