Clinical Features
Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. This
infection may cause mild or no symptoms in most people. However it can cause severe problems
for unborn babies whose mother become infected during pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of rubella are often difficult to notice especially in children.
Signs and symptoms generally appear between two and three weeks after exposure to virus. They
usually last about 1 to 5 days and may include;
Mild fever of 102F (38.9C) or lower
Headache
Stuffy or runny nose
Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
Fine pink or light red itchy rashes that first appears on face then trunk, arms and legs and
may appear around two weeks after exposure and lasts for three days.
Cough
Most adults who get rubella usually have a mild illness with
Sore throat
Coryza
Swollen glands
aching joints especially in females
Up to 70% women who get rubella may experience arthritis.
Rubella can significantly affect the fetus, especially contracted during the first trimester
leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). Pregnant women who contract rubella are at
risk for miscarriage and their developing babies at the risk for severe birth defects with
devastating and lifelong consequences. It is a most serious form of rubella. This can cause
following symptoms such as:
Deafness
Heart defects
Intellectual disabilities
Liver and spleen damage
Skin rash at birth
