Rubella
Rubella (also known as German measles) is a rare illness caused by a virus. It is spread in coughs and sneezes and produces a red spotty rash.
Symptoms can take two to three weeks to develop. People can pass the disease to others before they even know they have it.
Catching rubella while pregnant can be very serious for the unborn baby. It can seriously damage their sight, hearing, heart and brain. This condition is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Symptoms of rubella
Symptoms of rubella include:
- A rash
- Swollen glands
- A fever (high temperature of 38⁰C or above)
- A sore throat
- A runny nose
Nine out of 10 women who get infected with rubella in the first three months of pregnancy will have damage to their unborn baby.
In the five years before the MMR vaccine was introduced, about 43 babies a year in the UK were born with congenital rubella syndrome.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the disease they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 or your GP practice for advice if you have any questions.
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