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Highlights & Basics
- Rubella is typically a mild, self-limited, systemic infection caused by the rubella virus. Treatment of symptomatic rubella infection is largely supportive, as the illness is self-limited.
- The most important consequence of rubella infection is congenital rubella syndrome, which may result from infection during pregnancy. Specialty consultation is strongly recommended for pregnant women with exposure to rubella.
- Rubella immunization programs have eliminated endemic spread of the virus in the Americas; most cases are imported or associated with imported infections.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Rubella rash
Koplik spots
Child with measles showing the characteristic red blotchy rash on his buttocks and back during the third day of the rash
The scarlet fever rash first appears as tiny red bumps on the chest and abdomen that may spread all over the body; looking like sunburn, it feels like a rough piece of sandpaper, and lasts about 2 to 5 days
Patient with a syphilitic roseola-like rash, similar to that of viral eczema, which developed on her buttocks and legs during the secondary stage of the disease
A conjunctival hemorrhage of the right eye of this patient with infectious mononucleosis
Tongue and palate of patient with infectious mononucleosis
Bullous erythema multiforme
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella (German measles, three-day measles). Dec 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024. Section 5: travel-associated infections and diseases - rubella. May 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
McLean HQ, Fiebelkorn AP, Temte JL, et al; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013 Jun 14;62(RR-04):1-34.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2025. Nov 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2025. Nov 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella/German measles: 2013 case definition. 2013 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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