what is rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. It is generally a mild disease characterized by a low-grade fever and a fine, pink rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash typically lasts about three days. Other symptoms may include headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and in adults, especially young women, joint pain or arthritis. Rubella is especially dangerous for pregnant women because the virus can cause serious birth defects or miscarriage if a woman is infected during pregnancy. The condition in newborns resulting from rubella infection during pregnancy is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause severe birth defects such as heart problems, hearing and vision loss, intellectual disability, and liver or spleen damage. The disease spreads from person to person through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated surfaces. People are contagious from about one week before to one week after the rash appears, and notably, those without symptoms can also spread the virus. Rubella is preventable by vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is highly effective and typically given in two doses during childhood. There is no specific treatment for rubella, and symptoms are usually managed with supportive care like rest and fever-reducing medications. Since the introduction of the vaccine, rubella has become rare in many parts of the world, including the United States where it was declared eliminated in 2004. However, it remains a concern in some regions and for unvaccinated individuals.