What is Rubella - know its Symptoms & Treatment

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that is often mild in children and adults but can have serious consequences in pregnancy. Caused by the rubella virus, it primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Although it is less severe than measles or mumps, rubella poses a significant risk when contracted by pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. The infection can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, causing lifelong disabilities in the unborn child. Fortunately, rubella is largely preventable through vaccination.

In this blog, we’ll explore what is rubella, common rubella symptoms, its complications like congenital rubella syndrome, how the rubella disease is treated, and when the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine came into use.

What is Rubella?

Rubella is a viral illness caused by the German measles rubella virus, a member of the Rubivirus genus. It is transmitted via airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Unlike measles, rubella tends to be milder and may even go unnoticed in some individuals. However, it is extremely dangerous for unborn babies if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy.

Before the introduction of widespread vaccination programmes, rubella epidemics occurred every few years. In many developed countries, including the UK, rubella has been largely eliminated — but it remains a public health concern in regions with low vaccine coverage.

Rubella Symptoms

Rubella symptoms generally appear 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. The illness typically begins with mild, flu-like symptoms and may progress as follows:

Common symptoms of rubella virus:

• Mild fever
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Red or pink rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck
• Joint pain, particularly in young women
• Red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)

The rash associated with rubella usually lasts about three days and is not as intensely red or blotchy as measles. However, many people — especially children — may show no symptoms at all.

Despite being mild in most cases, rubella’s potential to cause severe birth defects makes it critical to monitor and control.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

The most serious complication of rubella infection is congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). This occurs when a pregnant woman contracts the rubella virus, especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus.

CRS can cause:

• Deafness
• Heart defects
• Cataracts and other eye abnormalities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Growth retardation
• Liver and spleen damage
• Low birth weight

According to the World Health Organization, up to 90% of infants born to mothers infected with rubella in early pregnancy may develop CRS.

Due to these risks, screening for rubella antibodies is part of routine prenatal care in many countries.

Rubella Antibodies & Diagnosis

Rubella is usually diagnosed through:

• Blood tests to detect rubella antibodies (IgM and IgG)
• Throat swabs or urine tests in some cases

The presence of IgM antibodies indicates a recent infection, while IgG antibodies show immunity from a past infection or vaccination.

These tests are especially important during pregnancy or in the case of suspected exposure, as early detection is crucial in managing potential risks to the fetus.

When Did the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine Come Out?

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, was first introduced in 1971 in the United States. The UK introduced it in 1988 as part of its national immunisation schedule.

The vaccine is usually given in two doses:

• The first dose at around 12–13 months
• The second dose before starting school, at 3–5 years

The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and has been instrumental in reducing rubella and other preventable diseases globally. It also plays a key role in protecting unborn babies by preventing rubella infections in women of childbearing age.

Rubella Treatment

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for rubella. Because it is typically mild in nature, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

Symptomatic treatment may include:

• Rest and hydration
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and joint pain
• Isolation from others, especially pregnant women, for at least seven days after the rash appears

In cases of congenital rubella syndrome, affected infants may require a multidisciplinary approach, including care from paediatric cardiologists, audiologists, and developmental specialists.

Rubella Prevention

The best prevention strategy against rubella is vaccination. The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting immunity in over 95% of individuals after two doses.

Other prevention tips:

• Ensure immunisation status is up to date, especially before pregnancy
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals
• Regular antenatal screenings for rubella antibodies
• Report and isolate suspected cases to prevent spread in the community

Rubella vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing transmission in the broader population.

Wrapping Up

Rubella may seem like a mild illness, especially in children and young adults, but its potential complications during pregnancy make it a serious public health concern. Understanding what rubella is, recognising the rubella symptoms, and ensuring you're protected through vaccination are essential steps in preventing this disease and safeguarding future generations.

Routine immunisation with the MMR vaccine has drastically reduced rubella cases in many parts of the world. However, with international travel and varying global vaccination rates, rubella remains a global health risk, especially for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and frequent travellers.

If you're an NRI or international traveller, having robust health coverage is just as vital as your vaccinations. Niva Bupa's NRI Health Insurance Plans are designed specifically for Indians living abroad who want access to quality healthcare in India for themselves or their families.

FAQs

1. What is rubella, and how is it different from measles?

Rubella is a mild viral illness caused by the rubella virus, also known as German measles. Unlike measles, rubella causes a lighter rash, milder fever, and is especially dangerous in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects.

2. What are the symptoms of rubella virus in adults?

Adults may experience mild fever, rash, joint pain (especially in women), swollen lymph nodes, and conjunctivitis. Many adults may have no symptoms.

3. What is congenital rubella syndrome?

It’s a group of severe birth defects that occur when a pregnant woman is infected with rubella, particularly in the first trimester. It may lead to deafness, heart defects, cataracts, and developmental delays in the baby.

4. When did the MMR vaccine come into use?

The MMR vaccine was first introduced in 1971 in the US and in 1988 in the UK. It protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

5. Is rubella still common today?

Thanks to widespread vaccination, rubella is rare in countries with strong immunisation programmes. However, outbreaks still occur in areas with low vaccine coverage or vaccine hesitancy.