Rubella

Alternative names:

German measles; three day measles

Treatment:

There is no treatment for this disease. Acetaminophen can be given to reduce fever. The treatment of congenital rubella syndrome is for the defects that may be present.

Expectations (prognosis):

Rubella is usually a mild, self-limiting infection with an excellent prognosis (probable outcome). Up to 25% of infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy will develop congenital rubella syndrome associated with a poor prognosis (probable outcome).

Complications:

• congenital rubella syndrome
• encephalitis (rare)
• otitis media (rare)
• transient arthritis

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman of childbearing age and are unsure of your immunity to rubella.

Call your health care provider if severe headache, stiff neck, earache, or visual disturbances develop during or after a case of rubella.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child(ren) need to receive MMR immunization (vaccine).